Tibetan Buddhist Mahasiddha Copper Statue | Yogi Virupa Idol from Nepal

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Tibetan Buddhist Mahasiddha Copper Statue | Yogi Virupa Idol from Nepal

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Mahasiddha Copper Statue | Yogi Virupa Idol from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIU155
Price: 1010.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$947.25

$1263

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Virupa, also known as Birwapa or Virupaksha, was a highly esteemed Indian Buddhist yogi and tantric master associated with the Mahasiddha tradition. He lived during the 9th century and played a significant role in the transmission of esoteric teachings.

Legend has it that Virupa was expelled from the monastic community due to his unconventional behavior, only to be later recognized for his profound spiritual attainments. He is often depicted in iconography holding a skull cup and a vajra, symbolic of his tantric practices and realization of emptiness.

Yogi Virupa is celebrated for his direct and experiential approach to enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of direct realization over strict adherence to external conventions. His teachings have left a lasting impact on Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Kagyu lineage, where he is venerated as a key figure in the transmission of esoteric wisdom.

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Specifications

	MIU155
	Copper Gilded with Gold
	Height: 6 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.10 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.

The Divine Representation of Yogi Virupa

This exquisite statue, meticulously crafted from copper and gilded with pure gold, embodies the spiritual prowess and profound wisdom of Yogi Virupa, a highly revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Virupa is renowned as one of the 84 Mahasiddhas, individuals who attained enlightenment through tantric practices, and is particularly celebrated for his mastery over the elements and his ability to manipulate reality itself. Legend has it that Virupa once stopped the sun in the sky to extend his meditation period, a testament to his extraordinary yogic powers. This artistic rendition captures his essence, offering a tangible connection to his enlightened presence. ––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Artistic Detail

The statue portrays Yogi Virupa in a dynamic pose, seated in a relaxed yet alert posture. His facial features are rendered with striking detail, from the fiery red and gold accents on his beard and hairline, suggesting intense spiritual energy, to his wide, piercing eyes that convey profound insight and compassion. He holds a small bowl in his left hand, possibly symbolizing the receptacle of enlightened wisdom or the offering of spiritual sustenance to devotees. His right arm is raised, with an open palm turned upwards, a gesture often interpreted as bestowing blessings or revealing a profound truth. The intricate ornamentation adorning his body, including elaborate necklaces and armbands, speaks to the opulence and sacredness associated with Mahasiddhas. The base upon which he rests is a multi-tiered lotus throne, a classic symbol of purity and spiritual awakening in Buddhist iconography. At the foot of the throne, a goat head is depicted, a symbolic element that can represent various concepts, including overcoming obstacles, the cyclic nature of existence, or even as an offering to tantric deities. ––––––––––––––––––

A Revered Guru and Source of Inspiration

Yogi Virupa's teachings and life story have inspired countless practitioners for centuries. He is credited with transmitting key tantric lineages, including the Kalachakra Tantra, which offers a complex cosmology and path to enlightenment. His wisdom is believed to cut through illusion and provide clarity to those who seek spiritual guidance. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and contemplation, inviting practitioners to connect with Virupa's wisdom, his mastery over the mind, and his compassionate journey towards liberation. It is a piece that not only enhances the aesthetic beauty of any sacred space but also serves as a constant reminder of the potential for spiritual transformation that resides within us all. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition, this statue carries the authenticity of its origins, bringing a piece of this rich cultural heritage into your home or meditation center.

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.