8.5" Vajradhara Copper Idol from Nepal | Tibetan Buddhist Deity Statue

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8.5" Vajradhara Copper Idol from Nepal | Tibetan Buddhist Deity Statue

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$712.50

$950

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Vajradhara, a significant deity in Tibetan Buddhism, represents the primordial Buddha, the ultimate source of all Buddhas and the embodiment of unchanging reality. The name "Vajradhara" translates to "Holder of the Thunderbolt" or "Diamond Holder," symbolizing indestructible wisdom. Depicted in union with his consort, Vajradhatu Ishvari, Vajradhara transcends gender, embodying the inseparable union of wisdom and compassion. His appearance, adorned with the five Buddha families' symbolic attributes, signifies the integration of the five aspects of enlightenment.

Vajradhara plays a crucial role in the transmission of tantric teachings, particularly within the Kagyu and Sakya schools of Tibetan Buddhism. As the ultimate lineage holder, he is considered the primordial Buddha from whom all tantric practices emanate.

In iconography, Vajradhara is often portrayed in a standing posture, holding the vajra (thunderbolt) and ghanta (bell) in crossed hands, symbolizing the union of skillful means and wisdom. This representation conveys the essence of enlightenment beyond conceptual understanding.

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Specifications

	MIU214
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 8.5 inch
	Width: 6.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.60 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 Glimpse of Enlightenment: The Vajradhara Statue

Behold a magnificent representation of Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha, crafted with exquisite artistry in Nepal. This resplendent statue, cast in copper and meticulously gilded with pure gold, emanates an aura of divine presence and profound wisdom. Vajradhara, meaning "bearer of the vajra" or "thunderbolt holder," is a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, symbolizing the ultimate, unchanging reality and the source of all enlightened activity. In Tibetan Buddhist cosmology, Vajradhara is often depicted as the Adi-Buddha, the original Buddha from whom all other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas emanate. He is seen as the embodiment of emptiness and compassion, the union of wisdom and method. Legend tells of Vajradhara's self-manifestation, appearing in a rainbow aura to teach the Dharma to other Buddhas. This statue captures the serene and majestic essence of this supreme being.

Sacred Craftsmanship and Symbolism

The detailed craftsmanship of this idol speaks volumes of the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage. The statue is adorned with a bejeweled crown, symbolizing the five Dhyani Buddhas, and ornate earrings and bracelets, signifying the boundless adornments of the enlightened mind. The serene facial expression, with half-closed eyes, invites introspection and meditation, drawing the viewer into a state of peaceful contemplation. The posture of Vajradhara, seated in the vajra position (crossed legs), signifies stability and the unshakeable nature of enlightenment. The hands are clasped in the Samadhi mudra, representing deep meditation and the union of bliss and emptiness. From the clasped hands, or in this representation, held within the arms and with symbolic offerings, the presence of the vajra and ghanta (bell) is often implied, representing the union of skillful means and wisdom, or the masculine and feminine principles of enlightenment. The intricate detailing on the robes and the lotus throne further enhances the sacred beauty of this piece, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening rising from the material world.

A Focal Point for Devotion and Reflection

This gilded copper statue of Vajradhara serves as a powerful focal point for meditation, prayer, and spiritual practice. Its presence can inspire devotion, cultivate inner peace, and serve as a constant reminder of the path to enlightenment. Whether placed in a personal meditation space, a home altar, or a place of worship, it brings an unparalleled sense of sacredness and spiritual elevation. The radiant gold hue, reminiscent of the sun's brilliance, symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of wisdom. This exquisite creation from Nepal is not merely an object of beauty but a profound conduit to the heart of Buddhist philosophy, offering a tangible connection to the ultimate nature of reality.

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.