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11.5" Brass Mahakala Lamp from Nepal

$684.75
$913
25% off
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Only 1 available

Lamps in Buddhist rituals are an integral part of the worship and meditation of the deities and the Buddha. As a symbol of the light of inner wisdom and eternal devotion, lamps are included by the devotees in their daily routine, lit before the beginning of the meditation to fill the space with a sacred aura.

 

This antique brass lamp from Nepal is dedicated to the mighty protector god Mahakala, a manifestation of Shiva and a guardian deity in Vajrayana Buddhism. The miniature icon of Mahakala is placed on the top of the lamp, in his characteristic pose, with a skull crown and attributes, in a dynamic pose, on a lotus pedestal, surrounded by a floral aureole.

 

The icon of Mahakala is placed on another lotus platform, which is attached to the shallow lamp, shaped like an inverted lotus. The lamp base too has lotus details on it, added with refined incised lines. Due to its make and shallow space for the wick, the lamp appears to be a votive lamp, meant to be offered to the deity as a part of a larger ritual or upon the fulfillment of a wish.

Specifications
MIT171
Brass
Height: 11.5 inch
Width: 5 inch
Depth: 5 inch
Weight 1.30 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
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.

Embodiment of Protection and Auspiciousness

This exquisite brass lamp from Nepal is more than just a vessel for light; it is a powerful symbol imbued with deep spiritual significance. At its apex stands Mahakala, a wrathful emanation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. Mahakala is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as a fierce protector of the Dharma, a deity who vanquishes obstacles, ignorance, and negative forces, thereby clearing the path for spiritual awakening. His fearsome visage and dynamic posture, often depicted with a sword in hand to cut through illusion, serve as a potent reminder of the unyielding power of wisdom and compassion in overcoming adversity. ––––––––––

Artistry and Divine Form

Crafted from durable brass, this lamp showcases the masterful artistry for which Nepalese artisans are renowned. The intricate details of Mahakala’s form, from the powerful musculature to the fierce expression, are rendered with remarkable precision. He is depicted within a stylized, ornate halo, symbolizing his boundless energy and protective aura. The lamp itself is a testament to functional art, with a tiered design that is both aesthetically pleasing and practically designed to hold a flame. The lower sections of the lamp feature delicate decorative patterns, reminiscent of lotus petals and geometric motifs, common in Buddhist iconography, further enhancing its sacred character. ––––––––––

Ritual and Cultural Significance

In Nepalese Buddhist traditions, lamps play a crucial role in rituals and ceremonies. They represent the dispelling of darkness, both literal and metaphorical, and are offered to deities as a symbol of devotion and enlightenment. Mahakala lamps, in particular, are used in protective rituals and empowerments. The presence of Mahakala atop the lamp signifies invoking his fierce protective energies to safeguard practitioners, sacred spaces, and teachings. This lamp would have traditionally been used in monasteries, meditation centers, or by devout individuals in their personal altars, serving as a focal point for prayer and meditation aimed at cultivating courage, overcoming fear, and achieving spiritual liberation. Its presence can infuse any space with a sense of sacredness and a reminder of the constant vigilance of protective forces in the spiritual journey.
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