Machine Made Copper Alloy with Gold Plated 5.25" Akash Yogini Statue

Akash Yogini Statue

 Akash Yogini – The Knowledge Holder

Vidyadhari, the Knowledge Holder, manifests as one of the four principal aspects of Vajrayogini in the Newar Buddhist tradition, where she is commonly known as Bijeshwori Devi, or Akash Yogini, the Sky or space going aspect of the goddess Vajrayogini. The Bijeshwori temple in Kathmandu is situated above the western bank of the Bishnumati River on the road to Swyambhu and its Newar name is derived from Vidhyeshvari, meaning the Wisdom Goddess. The presiding goddess of the temples is specifically associated with the Indian Mahasiddha Maitripa, who practiced and attained the realization of this flying aspect of Vajrayogini so she is also known as Maitri-Dakini or Maitri-Khechari.

Gestures and Attributes

Akash Yogini is depicted very much the say way as Vajrayogini except in flying posture with her right leg bent back ward and left leg stretched upward.

Akash Yogini has a red-colored body which shines with a brilliance like that of a fire at the end of an aeon, symbolizing the blazing of her inner fire which destroys all delusion. Like Vajrayogini; she also has three eyes, symbolizing her ability to see everything in the past, present, and future. She looks up toward the Pure Land of the Dakinis, indicating that she leads her followers to high attainments, including the attainment of great bliss. Her right hand, outstretched and pointing downwards, holds a curved knife known as Kartika marked with a Vajra on top, representing her power to cut the continuum of the delusions and obstacles of all living beings. Her left hand, held aloft, contains a skull cup filled with blood, which symbolizes her experience of the clear light of bliss, and her victory over death.

Her left shoulder supports a Khatanga marked with a Vajra, indicating that she is never separated from her consort Heruka. She is in the prime of her youth and her beautiful hair hangs freely down her back, symbolizing that she is free from the fetters of self-grasping. Her headdress is adorned with five human skulls which represent Akash Yogini's purified aggregates. Her purified inner winds are symbolized by her long necklace of fifty human skulls. She stands in the center of a blazing fire of exalted wisdom, and she is supported by a lotus symbolizing the complete purity of her body, speech, and mind.

About this Sculpture

This sculpture is a beautiful depiction of Akash Yogini. Expertly cast from Copper Alloy and is Gold Plated. This sculpture was individually crafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.