Prayer Wheel

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$394

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZBC63
	Copper Brass and Wood
	Height: 6 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 600 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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 Whispering Wheel of Merit and Wisdom

This exquisite prayer wheel, crafted from a harmonious blend of copper, brass, and wood, is more than just an object; it is a conduit for spiritual merit, a tangible link to ancient wisdom, and a beautiful testament to devotional artistry. Each element of its construction speaks of intention and tradition, designed to facilitate mindful practice and to imbue the atmosphere with positive energy. The spherical body of the wheel, intricately adorned with raised golden motifs and inlaid with precious turquoise-like stones, rests upon a sturdy, ornate base. These decorative elements are not mere embellishments but often carry symbolic meaning. The patterns may represent floral designs, auspicious symbols, or even protective deities from Buddhist iconography. The visible Sanskrit syllables, known as seed syllables, are powerful mantras in themselves, capable of invoking specific spiritual qualities when recited or contemplated. The act of spinning a prayer wheel is believed to be a physical manifestation of the practice of reciting mantras. Within the core of this wheel, countless mantra scrolls are housed, typically including the universally recognized mantra of compassion, "Om Mani Padme Hum." Each rotation is equivalent to reciting these mantras, generating merit and purifying negative karma. It is said that when a prayer wheel is spun, the merit accrued by the person spinning is spread to all beings within hearing distance, and even to those who merely see the wheel. This notion echoes the Buddhist principle of interconnectedness and the aspiration for the liberation of all sentient beings. The tradition of prayer wheels is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Legends tell of how their invention was inspired by the great master Padmasambhava, who observed women spinning prayer wheels and recognized the potential for spiritual benefit in such an action. From this, the practice evolved into the beautifully crafted devices we see today. The turning of the wheel symbolizes the turning of the Dharma wheel by the Buddha, setting in motion the teachings that lead to enlightenment. This particular prayer wheel, with its layered base and rich detailing, evokes a sense of groundedness and enduring presence. The darker, textured base provides a stable foundation, while the intricate brass and copper work above speaks of meticulous craftsmanship and deep spiritual significance. The interplay of metals, with the warm tones of copper and the bright gleam of brass, creates a visually captivating piece that is both striking and serene. Whether used in personal meditation, as a focal point for contemplation, or as a beautiful sacred object in your home, this prayer wheel invites you to connect with a timeless tradition of peace, wisdom, and compassionate action.

A Vessel of Blessings and Sacred Syllables

The very design of this prayer wheel draws parallels with the sacred architecture and symbolism found in Buddhist monasteries and temples. The stepped base can be seen as representing the layered path to enlightenment, with each level signifying a stage of spiritual development. The prominent placement of sacred syllables and decorative motifs serves as a constant reminder of the Dharma and the presence of awakened beings. In Tibetan culture, prayer wheels are not only personal tools for spiritual practice but are often found in public places, such as monasteries or along pilgrimage routes. Laypeople, as well as monks and nuns, spin them as they walk, turning the wheel of dharma for the benefit of themselves and others. The consistent spinning of a prayer wheel is thought to bring good fortune, overcome obstacles, and cultivate a calm and focused mind. The materials themselves – copper and brass – have been used for centuries in the creation of sacred objects, believed to possess purifying and energizing properties. The incorporation of wood adds an element of natural warmth and connection to the earth. This prayer wheel is an invitation to engage with this profound practice, to spin the wheel of merit, and to invite blessings into your life.

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.