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Return within 7 days of
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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Made in Nepal Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel From Nepal

$339
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZDG69
Copper,Brass and Wood
Height: 10 inch
Width: 9.2 inch
Depth: 5.2 inch
Weight 890 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
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.

A Sacred Instrument of Peace and Enlightenment

This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel is a powerful symbol of peace, compassion, and wisdom, handcrafted with devotion in Nepal. More than just an artifact, it is a sacred tool designed to bring spiritual benefit to its user and the world around them. In Tibetan Buddhism, the turning of a prayer wheel is believed to generate the same merit as reciting the mantras contained within it. Each rotation sends prayers, blessings, and positive energy into the universe, purifying negative karma and accumulating merit. The common mantra inscribed on these wheels is "Om Mani Padme Hum," a profound invocation of compassion associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

The prayer wheel itself is a cylinder made of durable wood, adorned with vibrant mosaic work. The stunning turquoise and lapis lazuli tesserae, meticulously inlaid, evoke the preciousness of the teachings and the purity of the mind. Golden-hued brass calligraphy, featuring the sacred mantra, encircles the cylinder, shimmering with every turn. The wheel is suspended within a sturdy wooden frame, intricately carved with traditional motifs. The dark, rich wood of the base and supports provides a grounding contrast to the vibrant jewel-toned cylinder, symbolizing the material world from which spiritual liberation is sought. This intricate craftsmanship reflects the dedication and skill of the artisans who have passed down these traditions through generations, honoring the spiritual heritage of the Himalayas.

The Philosophy of the Wheel

The concept of the prayer wheel originates from the idea that spiritual practice can be achieved through various means, and for those who find prolonged meditation challenging, the physical act of turning the wheel offers an accessible path. It is said that the wind turning the wheel carries blessings, and even the sound of the wheel's rotation can be a source of merit. The practice is not about mere ritual but about cultivating a mindful intention with each turn. Legend tells of the great Sage Nagarjuna who, inspired by the whirling of a water mill, envisioned a prayer wheel to bring the Dharma to all sentient beings. This particular wheel, with its impressive size and detailed artistry, is designed to be a focal point for contemplation and spiritual practice in any setting. It serves as a constant reminder of the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment.

A Touch of the Himalayas in Your Space

This prayer wheel is not only a spiritual implement but also a beautiful decorative piece that brings an aura of tranquility and sacredness to any home or meditation space. The blend of natural materials – wood, copper, and brass – and the richness of the inlaid stones create a visually captivating object of art. It is a perfect gift for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice, a mindful addition to a yoga studio, or a unique piece of cultural decor that tells a story of faith and tradition from the heart of the Himalayas. Imagine the peaceful ambiance it will create as its sacred mantra turns, spreading positive energy and a sense of calm.

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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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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