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MADE IN INDIA.

Two Layer Om Mani Padme Hum Hand-held Prayer Wheel

$75
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
RV36
Brass, Copper and Wood
Height: 9.5 inch
Width: 2.3 inch
Depth: 2.3 inch
Weight 140 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 Object

Prayer wheels, also known as Mani wheels, hold a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism. More than mere ornaments, they are potent tools for accumulating merit, purifying negativity, and invoking blessings. The practice of turning a prayer wheel is believed to be equivalent to reciting the mantras contained within it. Each rotation sends waves of compassion and positive energy outward, benefiting all sentient beings. These wheels are traditionally filled with countless repetitions of mantras and are considered powerful instruments in the journey toward enlightenment.

The Jewel in the Lotus

Adorning the exterior of this prayer wheel is the sacred mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum." This six-syllable mantra is one of the most revered in Tibetan Buddhism and is associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. "Om" represents the sound of the universe, a sacred syllable said to purify ego, pride and complacency. "Mani" means "jewel," symbolizing love, compassion, and the altruistic intention to become enlightened. "Padme" translates to "lotus," representing wisdom. Finally, "Hum" unites the other syllables, signifying the indivisibility of method and wisdom. Reciting, visualizing, or even touching this mantra is believed to bring about transformative purification and open the heart to boundless compassion.

Craftsmanship and Materials

This hand-held prayer wheel is beautifully crafted from a combination of brass, copper, and wood. The drum itself, meticulously etched with the sacred mantra, is made of brass and copper, ensuring durability and resonance. The handle, fashioned from wood, provides a comfortable and grounding grip. The dimensions make it perfect for personal use, allowing you to easily carry it with you, incorporating its blessings into your daily life, whether at home or on the go.

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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