Ma's India Blog: Hindu and Christian Deity Pendants: A Look Backwards and Forward Mas India

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

When I grew up in the 40’s and 50’s, certain jeweled ornaments worn around the neck were mainly called “lockets.” I don’t recall those pieces of memorabilia designated as “pendants.” They occupied a special sentimental place in your heart and upon your person. When you touched them, you would feel that special close contact with whomever’s picture was safely ensconced in such locket or pendant. In these lockets could be found locks of hair, pictures of your most beloved parent, sibling or other relative; or if you were especially lucky, a picture of a favorite saint. In the 1970’s I remember a friend of mine whose ashes were consecrated in a specially made locket which some of us wore around our necks to commemorate our special friendship with this man.

Nowadays deity pendants such as those displayed in Ma’s India, have similar purposes, but the picture of the beloved is on the outside for all to see. These deity pendants have multipurpose uses. Some deity pendants might be considered merely ornamental as with jewelry.

Some deity pendants are considered amulets for self-protection. The Kali Pendant Necklace is one such deity pendant. Consuming demons that represent the ego, one need not be afraid of anything with Kali.

Another deity pendant represented might be the Shiva Necklace (painted) beautifully encased in pewter. This powerful God sitting in deep meditation upon Mount Kailash sits firmly against evil and those who would distract him from a peaceful and solitary contemplation.

Another feminine deity pendant representative of a protective amulet would be the Durga Deity pendant. Durga is another representation of Kali but seen as less fierce to those who know nothing about her. In reality, she is as fierce as Kali but with a different visage to hide her true identity from those who might not take her seriously. Durga is the true Mother of all the goddesses and on her deity pendant is pictured standing supreme upon her lion above all others.

Some who wish to use the deity pendants as mere ornaments, might consider the Lakshmi Resin Deity Pendant and the Saraswati Resin Pendant, both stately in faux marble resin, although when one is a true student of the Hindu goddesses, one sees that although they are worshipped for prosperity and the arts, these goddesses are just as capable of fierceness and protection. One might also consider the colorful and feminine Painted Lakshmi Deity Pendant as another choice.

For those who wish to cultivate the attributes of Ganesh, may we suggest Ganesh Pendant Necklace in sterling silver as their deity pendant, a powerful invocation of the Great God Ganesh. Ganesh is the remover of obstacles and is the fierce representation of loyalty. When one chooses Ganesh as her protector in a deity pendant, it is as if a whole army has come to her aid.

And of course, for those who wish to call upon Ganesh’s equally as fierce trusted humble ally, there is the Hanuman Necklace (painted) deity pendant, showing this representation of humility and perseverance, beautifully and stylistically encased in pewter.

For those desiring to follow the feminine Christian path in choosing a deity pendant, there is the saintly St. Therese of Avila Necklace who in 1970 was finally honored for her work in founding a convent and order of nuns and the Guadalupe Pendant beautifully rendered in faux white resin marble.

Whatever deity pendant you choose, there can be no mistake if one follows the yearnings of the heart.

by: Mas India icon18_email-6720662icon18_edit_allbkg-6964006

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