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Fully Insured
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100% Handmade
100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel with Auspicious Mantras -Made in Nepal

$60.75
$81
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZDK67
Copper,Wood and Brass
Height: 6 inch
Width: 6 inch
Depth: 3.2 inch
Weight 340 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.

An Instrument of Peace and Enlightenment

This exquisitely crafted Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel, meticulously made in Nepal, is more than just an object; it's a vessel of profound spiritual significance. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the act of spinning a prayer wheel is believed to be equivalent to reciting the mantras contained within, sending blessings and merit into the world. Each rotation is a moment of mindfulness, a gentle invitation to cultivate peace, compassion, and wisdom in your heart and surroundings. The wheel itself is a masterpiece of artisanal skill. The central cylinder, crafted from warm copper, is adorned with intricate brass inlay work. Bands of auspicious mantras, believed to purify the mind and accumulate merit, encircle the cylinder, each letter a testament to the sacred power of sound. Images of benevolent deities are also meticulously embossed, representing the protective and guiding forces within the Buddhist tradition. Tiny, vibrant red gemstones, likely carnelian or coral, add a touch of precious beauty, symbolizing vitality and auspiciousness.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Himalayan Tradition

The spiritual heart of the prayer wheel is supported by a beautifully carved wooden stand. The dark, rich wood of the base and pillars has been hand-carved with traditional motifs, echoing the patterns found in ancient Himalayan temples and monasteries. The faceted design of the pillars lends an architectural elegance, while the curved base provides a stable and harmonious foundation. This stand not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes to the overall aesthetic, creating a piece that is both a spiritual tool and a work of art. The craftsmanship speaks to the dedication and devotion of the artisans of Nepal, who continue to practice these time-honored skills.

The Power of the Spoken and the Unspoken Word

In Tibetan Buddhism, the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is perhaps the most well-known and cherished. This mantra is believed to embody the essence of all teachings and to purify the six realms of existence. While the specific mantras on this wheel may vary, their purpose remains the same: to invoke blessings, to purify negative karma, and to generate positive energy. Each turn of the wheel is an act of devotion, a silent prayer offered for the well-being of all sentient beings. It is said that even if one does not understand the meaning of the mantras, the act of spinning the wheel generates merit, akin to the wind carrying prayers across the vast Tibetan plateau.

Bringing Serenity into Your Space

This prayer wheel is designed to be placed in a location where it can be easily spun, such as on a desk, altar, or shelf. Its compact size makes it a versatile addition to any sacred space or meditation area. As you gently turn the wheel, feel the weight of the materials, the smooth movement, and the subtle energy it emanates. It serves as a constant reminder of your spiritual path, a source of solace, and a beautiful object that connects you to the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas. It is a profound gift for yourself or for someone seeking peace, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to the spiritual world.

A Timeless Legacy

The tradition of prayer wheels dates back to ancient India, but it was in Tibet that they truly flourished and evolved. Legend tells of beings who were able to spin prayer wheels with their breath, sending out a continuous stream of blessings. The act of spinning is believed to tame the mind, much like a horse rider tames a horse, leading to a more controlled and focused consciousness. This particular prayer wheel, handmade in Nepal, carries this lineage of spiritual practice forward, offering a tangible connection to a tradition that has inspired millions for centuries. It is an invitation to embrace tranquility and to carry the echoes of ancient wisdom into the modern world.

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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