7" Copper with Silver Bajra or Vajra from Nepal

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7" Copper with Silver Bajra or Vajra from Nepal

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$534.75

$713

25% off

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Only 1 available

Vajra or Bajra (Nepalese)- thunderbolt, in Buddhism, is a potent symbol, a manifestation of the powers of Buddha, the male principles, and the strength of the Enlightened mind. As an indestructible object that cuts through the veils of worldliness, Vajra is also a representation of all-devouring, eternal, and omnipresent nothingness or Shunyata, which is a state the mind must reach to be ready for Enlightened wisdom. Meditation rituals for a Buddhist practitioner thus begin with the attempt to “become Vajra”.

This copper and silver Bajra or Vajra from Nepal has been crafted beautifully, with four prongs embracing the central spike of the Vajra on both sides, which is shaped like a lotus bud. Floral petal etchings toward the center of the Vajra add to the artistic appeal, while the dragon mouths from which the four prongs emerge add the power of the dragon, another symbol of the unbounded wisdom of mind, to the Vajra.

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Specifications

	MIT160
	Copper with Silver
	Height: 7 inch
	Width: 2.5 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 850 gm

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.

The Thunderbolt of Enlightenment

This exquisite ritual object, crafted from a blend of copper and silver, embodies the profound symbolism of the Vajra, also known as the Bajra. Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and Buddhist tradition, this seven-inch emblem is more than just a beautiful artifact; it is a tangible representation of spiritual power, indestructibility, and enlightenment. The Vajra is a potent symbol in both Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the diamond or thunderbolt, which is both indestructible and capable of cutting through ignorance and illusion. In Hindu mythology, it is the weapon of Lord Indra, the king of the gods, used to defeat his enemies. In Buddhism, it symbolizes the diamond-like wisdom of the Buddha that can cut through all obstacles and lead to liberation. The central spherical knob represents the wisdom of emptiness, while the prongs, often representing the five Dhyani Buddhas or the six transcendent perfections, signify the dispelling of the five poisons (ignorance, anger, pride, attachment, and jealousy).

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

This particular Vajra is a testament to the skilled artisans of Nepal. The meticulous crafting showcases the harmonious fusion of copper and silver, lending it both a tactile richness and a symbolic depth. The intricately designed heads of mythical creatures, often depicted as Makaras or Nagas, adorn the ends of the prongs, their fierce yet protective gaze adding to the object's aura of power and guardianship. These creatures symbolize overcoming obstacles and the boundless nature of the Dharma. The central, rounded body of the Vajra is adorned with detailed patterns, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal and spiritual significance. The overall form, with its symmetrical design and balanced proportions, evokes a sense of cosmic order and spiritual equilibrium.

A Sacred Tool for Meditation and Ritual

In spiritual practices, the Vajra is typically held in the right hand, while its companion implement, the Ghanta (bell), is held in the left. This pairing symbolizes the union of wisdom (Vajra) and compassion (Ghanta), the essential elements for achieving Buddhahood. The Vajra is used in various rituals, including empowerment ceremonies, Tantric practices, and as a focal point for meditation. Its presence is believed to purify the environment, ward off negative energies, and assist practitioners in their journey towards spiritual awakening. This sacred object, crafted with reverence and imbued with centuries of tradition, invites you to connect with its profound symbolism and incorporate its powerful energy into your spiritual life. It serves as a constant reminder of the unwavering nature of truth and the potential for transformation that lies within.

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.