Mahakala Phurpa on Stand - Made in Nepal (Tibetan Buddhist)

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Mahakala Phurpa on Stand - Made in Nepal (Tibetan Buddhist)

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Name: Mahakala Phurpa on Stand - Made in Nepal (Tibetan Buddhist)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZDF41
Price: 175.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$150.75

$201

25% off

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Specifications

	ZDF41
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold and Wood
	Height: 0 inch
	Width: 0 inch
	Depth: 0 inch
	Weight 120 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.

Embodied Power: The Golden Mahakala Phurpa

This exquisite piece, crafted in the spiritual heartland of Nepal, is more than just an object; it's a conduit of profound energy and ancient wisdom. The central figure represents Mahakala, a wrathful protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for his formidable power to overcome obstacles, dispel negativity, and guard the Dharma. His fierce countenance and dynamic posture embody the boundless force required to confront and transform the deepest forms of ignorance and suffering.

A Symbol of Transcendence

The Phurpa itself is a ritualistic dagger, a powerful implement used in tantric practices to pierce through illusion, subdue demonic forces, and cut through karmic attachments. In its manifestation here, gilded with radiant 24-karat gold, the Phurpa symbolizes the sharp clarity of enlightened wisdom, capable of severing the roots of delusion. The intricate details of the golden deity and the sharp, piercing form of the Phurpa create a powerful visual metaphor for spiritual liberation. The golden sheen evokes the imperishable luminosity of the awakened mind and the preciousness of the spiritual path.

Crafted with Devotion in Nepal

Each element of this sacred artifact is a testament to the skill and devotion of Nepalese artisans, carrying forward centuries of tradition in metalwork and religious artistry. The fusion of lustrous gilded copper with a grounded wooden base creates a striking balance between the celestial and the terrestrial. This piece is not merely decorative but a functional tool for meditation and spiritual practice, inviting contemplation on the nature of protection, transformation, and ultimate reality. Its presence can serve as a constant reminder of the inner strength and spiritual potential that resides within all beings.

Echoes of Myth and Ritual

Mahakala, often depicted with multiple faces and arms, is seen as a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara or Shiva, a protector of the Buddhist teachings and a powerful force against the forces of darkness. The Phurpa, or Kila, is believed to have originated from the myth of the demon king Bhasmasura, who was subdued by Vishnu in the form of Mohini, using a divine peg or stake to pin him down. This imagery underscores the Phurpa's role as a tool of subjugation and transformation, capable of anchoring volatile energies and dispelling malevolent influences.

An Object of Sacred Significance

This Mahakala Phurpa on its stand is an ideal addition to any altar, meditation space, or as a profound gift for those on a spiritual journey. It carries the weight of millennia of prayer and practice, offering a tangible connection to the potent energies of Tibetan Buddhism. Its commanding presence and the richness of its gilded form invite reverence and inspire a deeper engagement with the path of awakening.

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.