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Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
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to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Three Layer Om Mani Padme Hum Hand-held Prayer Wheel (Mani)

RM268
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
XT88
Brass, Copper and Wood
Height: 8 inch
Width: 2 inch
Depth: 2 inch
Weight 80 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.

The Significance of Mani

In the vast tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, the prayer wheel, known as a "Mani," holds a profoundly important place. It is more than just an object; it is a tangible representation of compassion, wisdom, and the potential for enlightenment inherent within all beings. The prayer wheel is a physical embodiment of the mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," which is inscribed upon its exterior. This mantra, often considered the heart essence of the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteśvara, is not simply a string of syllables; it is a powerful sound vibration that resonates with the very fabric of existence, capable of purifying negative karma and planting the seeds of awakening. The practice of turning the prayer wheel is believed to accumulate merit, purify negative actions, and invoke the blessings of Avalokiteśvara. Each rotation, fueled by intention and devotion, is said to release countless repetitions of the mantra, benefiting oneself and all sentient beings. This act transforms the mundane into the sacred, turning everyday life into a path of spiritual growth.

A Handheld Treasure

Crafted with a careful blend of brass, copper, and wood, this handheld Mani brings the essence of this ancient practice into your hands. The warm tones of the wooden handle invite a comfortable grip, allowing for effortless and mindful rotations. The brass and copper elements, meticulously worked, display intricate detailing that catches the light, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. The mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," encircles the drum in beautifully rendered script. This inscription serves as a constant reminder of the mantra's power and the compassionate intention behind each turn of the wheel. With each rotation, you engage in an active form of meditation, connecting to a lineage of practitioners who have sought solace and enlightenment through this powerful method.

The Legend of Avalokiteśvara

The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is inextricably linked to the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, the embodiment of compassion. Legend tells us that Avalokiteśvara, gazing down from his celestial realm, was overwhelmed by the suffering of beings trapped in the cycle of rebirth. With a heart overflowing with compassion, he vowed to liberate all beings from suffering before attaining enlightenment himself. From his profound compassion, the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" emerged as a tool to alleviate suffering and guide beings towards liberation. The Mani prayer wheel acts as a powerful conduit for the energies of Avalokiteśvara. Turning the wheel with devotion is akin to calling upon the bodhisattva's boundless compassion, opening oneself to the potential for inner peace, healing, and spiritual growth. Placed in your home, meditation space, or carried with you, this handcrafted prayer wheel serves as a potent symbol of compassion and a constant reminder of the possibility of liberation for all.

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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