In Tibetan Buddhism,
Vajrakilaya is a furious deity who is frequently connected to the dismantling
of barriers and the defeat of evil forces. Vajrakilaya's furious side
symbolises the deity's vengeful and powerful character in conquering both
internal and external barriers on the way to enlightenment.
With a phurba (ritual
dagger) in one hand and a vajra (thunderbolt) in the other, Vajrakilaya is a
ferocious and energetic figure. His angry face, painted in flames, represents
the cleansing of impurities and the quick, transformational effect of his work.
The practice of
Vajrakilaya is often employed to remove obstacles, pacify negative forces, and
purify one's own mind. Devotees may engage in rituals, visualizations, and
recitations associated with Vajrakilaya as a means of invoking his powerful and
transformative energy in their spiritual endeavors.
Embodiment of Spiritual Power
Behold a striking representation of Vajrakilaya, a fearsome deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent idol, crafted with exquisite detail from copper and gilded with lustrous gold, captures the intense energy and spiritual authority of this powerful protector. Vajrakilaya, known as the "Adamantine" or "Diamond" one, is an emanation of the Buddha Vajrasattva, and is invoked to overcome obstacles, negative forces, and spiritual ignorance. His wrathful aspect symbolizes the swift and decisive action needed to cut through delusion and achieve enlightenment.
Iconography of the Wrathful Deity
The sculpture masterfully depicts Vajrakilaya's multiple faces, each representing a different facet of his transformative power. His numerous arms, intricately sculpted and adorned with divine ornaments, signify his boundless capacity to engage and subdue all obstacles. In his hands, he holds symbolic implements, such as the ritual dagger (kila) which pierces illusion, and the skull-cup, representing the transformation of negative energies into wisdom. The fiery halo that envelops him is a testament to his purifying and all-consuming spiritual power, burning away all that hinders spiritual progress. The fierce expression, with bared fangs and bulging eyes, is not one of anger but of profound compassion and the resolute will to liberate beings from suffering.Artistry of the Himalayas
This idol is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a land where spiritual devotion is deeply intertwined with artistic creation. Skilled artisans, drawing upon centuries of tradition and sacred knowledge, have meticulously hand-crafted each element of this piece. The use of copper, a metal revered for its purity and conductivity, serves as a potent base for the intricate gilding with gold. This combination not only enhances the visual splendor but also imbues the idol with spiritual significance, symbolizing the union of the material and the divine, the earthly and the celestial.
A Symbol of Protection and Transformation
In the spiritual traditions of the Himalayas, Vajrakilaya is a potent deity invoked for protection against worldly and spiritual harm. His practice is associated with dispelling negative karma, purifying the mind, and overcoming inner demons. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and prayer, inviting practitioners to connect with Vajrakilaya's transformative energy. Whether displayed in a sacred space or as a unique piece of art, this magnificent Vajrakilaya idol embodies the strength, protection, and profound spiritual power that have resonated through Himalayan cultures for generations.How are Nepalese copper statues made?
Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique
small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two
thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws
influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and
therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the
icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures
evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some
characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other
pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual
features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and
ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have
tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual
purposes in their temples and monasteries.
Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and
therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they
age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues
is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and
sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment
protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax
method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most
practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process
involves many steps and requires skilled artists.
The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of
the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is
created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills
otherwise fine features will be lacking.
Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special
mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when
left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so
that the wax flows away when it is heated.
At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is
obtained.
This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which
is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold
water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed
and the statue within is revealed.
The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools.
It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.
Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold
gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A
mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the
statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that
mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold
finish.
The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique
for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details.
Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for
giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes
several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded
copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and
appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong
aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
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