5" Small Lord Kajupa Mahakala Copper Statue from Nepal

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5" Small Lord Kajupa Mahakala Copper Statue from Nepal

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Name: 5" Small Lord Kajupa Mahakala Copper Statue from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS763
Price: 470.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$441

$588

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

In the Kajupa manifestation of Mahakala, he is known as the embodiment of the alleviation of sentient beings' suffering. Lord Kajupa Mahakala possesses a robust physique with compact and powerful limbs. His fiery hair rises from his brow and is adorned with a striking crown fashioned from skulls.

His expression is fierce and wrathful, featuring a mouth twisted into an angry yet smiling expression, accentuated by the presence of elongated fangs. His bloodshot eyes glare intensely, often revealing a third eye at the center of his forehead. In his right hand, Mahakala wields a chopper, symbolizing the severing of negative patterns such as aggression, hatred, and ignorance. In his left hand, he holds a skull cup, traditionally filled with either blood or symbolically represented human brain matter as a ritual element.

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Specifications

	MIS763
	COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
	Height: 5 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 600 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Visage of Fierce Protection

This exquisite statue embodies the potent energy of Lord Kajupa Mahakala, a wrathful deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from copper and lavishly gold-plated, this representation captures the divine protector in a posture of immense power and vigilance. Mahakala, whose name translates to "Great Black One" or "Great Time Being," is a fierce manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. His terrifying form is not one of malice, but rather a powerful symbol of his ability to overcome obstacles, destroy ignorance, and protect practitioners on their spiritual path. The artistry of this Nepalese creation is evident in every detail. The deity's face is a mask of fierce determination, with bulging eyes, a gaping mouth revealing sharp fangs, and a prominent third eye on his forehead, signifying his all-seeing wisdom. His body, though compact and powerful, is adorned with intricate jewelry and flowing robes, showcasing the mastery of the artisan. The gold plating lends a radiant aura to the statue, amplifying its sacred presence and hinting at the celestial realm from which Mahakala presides. His posture, a dynamic readiness, suggests constant engagement in the cosmic struggle against negativity and delusion.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Context

Mahakala is a prominent figure in tantric Buddhism, often invoked as a guardian of scriptures, monasteries, and the dharma itself. Tales abound of his interventions in critical moments, dispelling malevolent forces and safeguarding the spiritual lineage. He is seen as the embodiment of time, a force that devours all illusions and ultimately leads to liberation. In some traditions, he is depicted as a protector of the Guru, ensuring the continuation of profound teachings. The iconography of Mahakala, with his multiple arms, fierce gaze, and symbolic implements, is designed to inspire awe and reverence, reminding devotees of the seriousness and transformative potential of their spiritual journey. This particular representation, in its compact form, makes it an ideal deity for personal altars or spaces where a powerful yet accessible manifestation of divine protection is desired.

Symbolism in the Iconography

Every element in this statue holds profound meaning. The third eye signifies omniscience and the transcendence of ordinary perception. The wrathful expression serves to frighten away negative forces and internal hindrances such as greed, hatred, and ignorance. The jewels and ornaments adorning him represent his spiritual wealth and the qualities of enlightenment. The implements he holds often include a vajra (thunderbolt) for power, a skull cup for the transformation of negative emotions, and a ritual staff, all symbolizing his capacity to conquer obstacles. The lotus base upon which he rests is a universal symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual unfolding, indicating that even in his fierce aspect, Mahakala operates from a place of supreme purity and wisdom. This striking image is a testament to the rich and complex iconography of Buddhist art, offering a powerful focal point for meditation and devotion.

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.