Astalakshmi Wheel Wall Panel in Poola Wood – Hand Carved Temple Sculpture from Madhavamala, Andhra Pradesh

In Madhavamala, Andhra Pradesh, temple carving is not a surface craft. It is a discipline of patience.

This Astalakshmi Wheel is carved from solid Poola wood, shaped over weeks through measured chisel work. The composition forms a complete chakra — a circular field holding the eight manifestations of Lakshmi, each seated within its own carved mandala.

The outer border carries dense vegetal scrollwork. The inner spokes divide the circle into sacred sections. At the center rests a raised floral medallion, grounding the entire structure.

No part is machine replicated.
No surface is pressed or routed.

Each relief figure is shaped gradually — first blocked in volume, then refined in contour, and finally detailed by hand. Tool marks remain subtly present beneath the finish, preserving evidence of the artisan’s process.

The depth of 8 inches allows shadow to gather naturally within the carvings, giving dimensional presence when mounted on a wall or installed within a temple interior.

This is not decorative paneling.
It is architectural sculpture.

The wheel format symbolizes continuity and protection. The eight Lakshmi forms represent prosperity not only in wealth, but in knowledge, courage, food, victory, and lineage — a complete cycle of abundance.

The wood is left in its natural tonal warmth, allowing grain variation to remain visible. Over time, the surface will mature in color, deepening with age.

Human time is visible here.
And it remains visible.

Product Overview

• Origin: Madhavamala, Andhra Pradesh

• Material: Solid Poola Wood

• Diameter: 5 ft x 5 ft

• Depth: 8 inches

• Price: ₹2,20,000

• Form: Circular temple-style wall panel

• Technique: Hand carved, chisel and mallet relief work

Craft & Process

• Solid Poola wood selection and curing

• Circular base shaping by hand

• Radial layout drawn manually

• Relief carving of figures and floral medallions

• Layered depth chiseling (multi-stage)

• Hand smoothing without industrial polish

• Natural finishing

Estimated carving duration: Several weeks by a master artisan team in Madhavamala.

Placement Context

• Temple interiors

• Pooja rooms

• Sacred corridors

• Feature heritage walls

• Institutional spiritual spaces

Its scale (5 ft diameter) makes it architecturally significant rather than ornamental.