Six Armed Mahakala from Nepal - Tibetan Buddhist Deity

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Six Armed Mahakala from Nepal - Tibetan Buddhist Deity

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Name: Six Armed Mahakala from Nepal - Tibetan Buddhist Deity
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZDF30
Price: 1430.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1341

$1788

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Numerous arms, a fiery aureole, and composure of countenance that is decidedly wrathful characterises this flawless, gold-gilded copper sculpture from the Exotic India collection. A Bodhisattva whose role as dharmapala or protector is generously laced with wrath and ferocity, adding a Mahakala to your space is a bold step to take, albeit one you cannot go wrong with, in terms of both general well-being and aesthetics.

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Specifications

	ZDF30
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 6.7 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 2.16 kg

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.

Embodiment of Fierce Compassion: The Six-Armed Mahakala

This exquisite copper statue, meticulously gilded with 24 karat gold, presents a powerful and awe-inspiring depiction of Mahakala, a wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in rich spiritual traditions, this deity serves as a formidable protector, safeguarding practitioners from obstacles on the path to enlightenment. The artistry of this piece captures the dynamic energy and profound symbolism inherent in Mahakala iconography.

Symbolism of Form and Fierceness

Mahakala, meaning "Great Black One," embodies the transformative power of wrath. His six arms are not indicative of aggression but rather represent his ability to skillfully overcome the six root afflictions or kleshas: ignorance, attachment, aversion, pride, jealousy, and doubt. Each hand holds symbolic implements, often including a vajra (thunderbolt), a kapala (skull cup filled with nectar), a damaru (drum), and a khadga (sword), signifying his mastery over samsara, the cycle of birth and death. The third eye on his forehead symbolizes his all-seeing wisdom, piercing through illusion. His fearsome expression, with bared fangs and a wild mane, is a manifestation of his fierce compassion, designed to shock and awaken the unenlightened, clearing away negativities that obstruct spiritual progress. This dynamic pose, often depicted trampling on a prostrate figure, represents the subjugation of ego and the overcoming of negative forces.

Cultural Significance and Spiritual Resonance

Mahakala is a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly revered in the Nyingma, Kagyu, and Gelug traditions. He is invoked for protection, prosperity, and the removal of hindrances, both worldly and spiritual. In the lore of Tibetan Buddhism, Mahakala is often associated with powerful celestial beings and ancient protectors, echoing the profound depths of Buddhist cosmology. Stories abound of his intervention in the lives of practitioners, offering swift aid and dispelling adversity. His presence is believed to pacify storms, avert disasters, and purify the environment. This statue, crafted with exceptional detail, serves as a potent reminder of Mahakala's vigilant presence and the boundless power of enlightened compassion. The intricate details of the flames emanating from his form signify his purifying energy, burning away impurities and ignorance.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

This statue is a testament to the enduring artistry of Nepalese craftspeople. Cast in durable copper and adorned with a lustrous layer of 24 karat gold, it possesses a divine radiance that enhances its spiritual presence. The meticulous detailing, from the musculature of the deity to the ornamentation of the base, showcases a deep understanding and reverence for the iconography. The vibrant colors used in certain details, such as the fiery mane, further accentuate Mahakala's energetic nature. This piece is not merely an object of devotion but a work of art, imbued with centuries of spiritual tradition and artistic excellence, making it a profound addition to any altar or sacred space.

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.