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Buddhist Deity Hevajra with Seven Heads and Sixteen Arms - Copper Idol from Nepal

$1082.81
$1925
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Hevajra or Heruka in Vajrayana Buddhism is an aspect of Buddha Akshobhya, a powerful guardian deity and a ferocious protector of all beings. In this stunning copper statue from Nepal, Hevajra is presented in his Tantric seven-faced and sixteen-armed form, with a blue body, dancing on four corpses. His striking dancing pose matches the riveting pose of the Buddhist deity Vajravarahi.

 

Both Heruka and Vajravarahi’s dance surrounded by awe-inspiring reminders of death and decay- truths of human existence represent the freedom of mind that comes from accepting the impermanent human life and transcending the bond with body, to reach a connection with the supreme truth.

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Specifications
ZEM701
COPPER STATUE FROM NEPAL
Height: 13.7 inch
Width: 5 inch
Depth: 8.7 inch
Weight 3.30 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Fierce Compassion

This magnificent copper idol from Nepal captures the profound and dynamic essence of Hevajra, a powerful deity within Tantric Buddhism. Hevajra, meaning "Bringer of the Vajra" or "Indestructible Bliss," is a manifestation of enlightened wisdom and compassion, often depicted in a wrathful form to overcome obstacles and negative forces that impede spiritual progress. This intricate sculpture, imbued with the spiritual heritage of Nepal, presents a compelling visual narrative of this significant Buddhist figure. ––––––––––

Symbolism and Iconography

The deity is depicted with seven heads, each symbolizing different aspects of spiritual attainment or overcoming particular defilements. The primary face is dark blue, representing the vastness of space and the ultimate, unfathomable nature of reality. The other heads, often white, red, green, and yellow, can represent the five wisdoms or the pacification of the five poisons of the mind: ignorance, anger, pride, attachment, and jealousy. His sixteen arms radiate outwards, each holding symbolic objects or performing mudras (symbolic hand gestures). These arms represent his boundless compassion and his ability to engage with all aspects of existence to liberate beings. The fiery halo surrounding him signifies his awakened state, the fire of wisdom that consumes ignorance and delusion, and the transformative power of his enlightened activity. The base upon which he stands often represents the subjugated ego or the illusionary nature of the phenomenal world, which he transcends. ––––––––––

Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

Handcrafted in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and renowned for its artistic mastery, this copper idol showcases exquisite detail and vibrant coloration. The meticulous craftsmanship reflects generations of skill passed down through artisan families. Copper, being a sacred metal in many spiritual traditions, is believed to possess purifying qualities and is often used for deities in Tantric practice. The use of vibrant pigments further enhances the visual impact, bringing the fierce yet compassionate nature of Hevajra to life. In Nepalese Buddhist art, such deities are not merely decorative objects but are considered powerful spiritual tools, aids for meditation, and conduits for blessings and protection. They serve as a constant reminder of the potential for enlightenment that resides within all beings. ––––––––––

Meditative Focus and Spiritual Practice

The presence of this Hevajra idol in your home or meditation space can serve as a powerful focal point for contemplation and spiritual practice. Meditating on his form can help to cultivate inner strength, overcome personal challenges, and deepen one's understanding of the path to enlightenment. Hevajra's fierce aspect is not one of aggression but of unyielding determination to protect the Dharma and guide practitioners towards liberation from suffering. This statue invites a connection to this potent energy, fostering courage, wisdom, and the transformative power to confront and overcome life's obstacles with unwavering resolve.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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