12" Copper Mahakala Copper Idol from Nepal | Copper Statue Gilded with Gold

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12" Copper Mahakala Copper Idol from Nepal | Copper Statue Gilded with Gold

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Name: 12" Copper Mahakala Copper Idol from Nepal | Copper Statue Gilded with Gold
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: NLH020
Price: 1355.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1270.50

$1694

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Mahakala, a formidable and wrathful deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is a Dharmapala, a protector of Dharma. Mahakala is a fierce and powerful figure, often depicted with a wrathful expression, multiple arms, and adorned with skulls and ornaments. Mahakal stands upon the corpse, symbolizing the triumph over ignorance and ego. His multiple arms hold various implements, such as a skull cup, a trident, a sword, and a lasso, each representing aspects of his protective and transformative powers.

Mahalaka’s primary role is to safeguard the teaching and assist practitioners in overcoming obstacles on their spiritual journey. Devotees often invoke Mahakala through rituals and prayers to seek protection, guidance, and the removal of impediments. In meditation, feel the intense and protective energy of Mahakala, recognizing his wrathful form as a path to enlightenment by dispelling obstacles and negativities.

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Specifications

	NLH020
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 3.10 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	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.

A Divine Guardian of Wisdom and Protector of Dharma

This magnificent 12-inch copper idol, meticulously gilded with gold, embodies the formidable presence of Mahakala, a wrathful deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual artistry, this statue is more than just an object of devotion; it is a powerful symbol of protection, wisdom, and the overcoming of obstacles. Mahakala, whose name translates to "Great Black One," is a fierce emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He is depicted in his terrifying aspect to symbolize his ability to conquer negative forces, illusion, and ignorance, thereby safeguarding the Dharma and its practitioners. ––––––––––

The Iconography of Ferocity and Compassion

The artistry of this idol captures the essence of Mahakala's dual nature. His fearsome countenance, with wide, piercing eyes, bared fangs, and a furrowed brow, signifies his power to destroy hindrances and dispel darkness. The multiple faces and arms often associated with Mahakala (though not explicitly detailed here, the overall iconography conveys immense power) represent his omnipresence and ability to address various challenges simultaneously. He is frequently depicted trampling on obstacles or vanquishing demons, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of enlightenment over ignorance. The swirling flames that emanate from him represent the fires of wisdom that consume all negativity and delusion, purifying the mind and revealing ultimate truth. The vibrant gold gilding enhances the divine aura, signifying purity, royalty, and the indestructible nature of the awakened mind. ––––––––––

Mythological Significance and Cultural Resonance

In Buddhist cosmology, Mahakala is invoked as a protector of sacred teachings, particularly in the Vajrayana tradition. Tales abound of his intervention in times of great peril, safeguarding monasteries, spiritual lineages, and individuals facing spiritual or worldly adversies. He is seen as a guardian of hidden treasures, both material and spiritual, and a force that clears the path for spiritual realization. The very act of creating and venerating such an image is a practice of devotion, cultivating the qualities of fearlessness and wisdom within the devotee. This idol, originating from Nepal, carries the weight of centuries of artistic tradition and deep spiritual understanding, reflecting the profound reverence with which Mahakala is regarded in the Himalayan region. It serves as a potent reminder that even in the face of daunting challenges, the light of wisdom and compassion ultimately prevails.

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.