Tibetan Buddhist Deity Shadakshari Lokeshvara (Chenrezig) - Made in Nepal

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

$201

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Shadakshari Lokeshvara is a four-armed variant of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who holds his inner hands to his chest in anjalimudra, the gesture of adoration.

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZCZ88
	Copper Statue
	Height: 3.4 inch
	Width: 2.6 inch
	Depth: 1.5 inch
	Weight 220 gm

Delivery and Return Policies


	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.

Embodiment of Compassion: Shadakshari Lokeshvara

This exquisite copper statue embodies Shadakshari Lokeshvara, also known as Chenrezig in Tibetan, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Revered as the patron deity of Tibet and a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the divine being who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas, this deity is the focal point of immense devotion for millions. The name "Shadakshari" itself refers to the six-syllable mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," considered the essence of Chenrezig's teachings and a powerful tool for generating compassion and wisdom.

A Divine Vision of Mercy

Crafted with meticulous detail in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this statue captures the serene and benevolent aspect of the Bodhisattva. Lokeshvara is depicted with eleven faces, although only the central, primary face is clearly visible in this form, radiating a gentle smile of universal love. The multiple arms signify his boundless ability to reach out and aid all sentient beings. The two primary hands are pressed together in prayer, a gesture of reverence and harmony. The other arms are held in various mudras, symbolizing different aspects of his enlightened activity and his ability to manifest in countless forms to alleviate suffering. Adorned with ornate jewelry and a regal crown, the figure signifies his divine status and his complete transcendence of worldly concerns.

Mythological Roots and Cultural Significance

The legend of Avalokiteshvara's descent to help humanity is deeply woven into Buddhist lore. It is said that upon witnessing the vast ocean of suffering in the world, Avalokiteshvara wept tears of profound empathy, and from his tears, Tara, the Green and White Goddesses of compassion, arose. In another tale, he vowed not to rest until all beings were liberated from suffering, and when he realized the impossibility of this task, his head split into eleven, with each face multiplying his compassionate gaze. This statue, therefore, is not merely an object of art but a tangible representation of this unwavering commitment to universal well-being. It serves as a constant reminder of the power of compassion in overcoming obstacles and fostering peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

A Sacred Presence for Your Sanctuary

This finely crafted copper statue from Nepal is a powerful addition to any meditation space, altar, or home. Its presence can inspire mindfulness, cultivate inner peace, and serve as a constant reminder to approach life with greater empathy and kindness. The intricate details and the rich cultural heritage embedded in its creation make it a treasure for collectors and practitioners alike. It invites a deeper connection to the spiritual path and to the profound wisdom of compassion embodied by Shadakshari Lokeshvara.

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.