Ashtamangala Prayer Wheel with Om Mani Padme Hum

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Name: Ashtamangala Prayer Wheel with Om Mani Padme Hum
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: RV34
Price: 65.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$75

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	RV34
	Brass, Copper and Wood
	Height: 9.8 inch
	Width: 2.5 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 140 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	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 Portal to Compassion

This meticulously crafted prayer wheel is more than just a beautiful object; it’s a tangible link to an ancient practice, a pathway to generating merit, and a symbol of compassion in action. Constructed from a harmonious blend of brass, copper, and wood, it embodies both durability and spiritual resonance. The spinning of the wheel is said to be equivalent to reciting the prayers contained within, amplifying their power and extending their blessings to all sentient beings. The rhythmic motion, the gentle weight in your hand, and the visual beauty of the craftsmanship create a meditative experience, promoting inner peace and clarity.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols

The prayer wheel is adorned with depictions of the Ashtamangala, the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. These symbols, rich in meaning and history, are believed to bring good fortune and represent different aspects of enlightened qualities. Look closely, and you’ll find the parasol, symbolizing protection from suffering; the golden fishes, representing happiness and freedom; the treasure vase, embodying abundance and prosperity; the lotus flower, signifying purity and spiritual awakening; the conch shell, proclaiming the dharma or Buddhist teachings; the endless knot, representing the interconnectedness of all things; the victory banner, signifying the triumph over obstacles and negativities; and the dharma wheel, representing the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment. Their presence on the wheel amplifies its auspicious qualities, imbuing each rotation with increased significance.

Om Mani Padme Hum: The Jewel in the Lotus

Etched in elegant script around the prayer wheel is the sacred mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum". This six-syllable mantra is one of the most revered in Tibetan Buddhism, associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Each syllable is said to have a transformative effect, purifying negative emotions and cultivating positive qualities. "Om" dissolves pride, "Ma" dissolves jealousy, "Ni" dissolves attachment, "Pad" dissolves ignorance, "Me" dissolves greed, and "Hum" dissolves hatred. By reciting or visualizing this mantra while spinning the wheel, one invokes Avalokiteshvara's blessings and actively participates in the cultivation of compassion for all beings. According to legend, Avalokiteshvara vowed not to rest until he had freed all beings from suffering. He emanates countless forms to aid sentient beings, including the mantra itself, a potent tool for liberation.

A Gift of Peace and Blessing

Whether used in personal meditation practice, displayed as a reminder of Buddhist principles, or gifted to someone in need of solace, this prayer wheel is a potent symbol of hope and the transformative power of compassion. Its dimensions make it a fitting addition to an altar, meditation space, or any environment where a reminder of inner peace and spiritual aspiration is desired. The skillful combination of materials – the warm tones of the wood, the lustrous shine of the brass and copper – creates a visually appealing object that will enrich any space. Let the gentle turning of this wheel be a constant source of inspiration on your journey toward enlightenment.

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.