Gold and Silver Plated 11.25" Vajra Kartika Set

Vajra Kartika

 Kartika – The Curved Knife or Chopper

Kartika is a small, crescent-shaped, hand-held ritual flying knife used in the tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Kartika is said to be “one of the quintessential attributes of the wrathful Tantric deities. It is commonly known as the “knife of the Dakinis” Its shape is similar to the Inuit ulu or woman’s knife, which is used for many things including cleaning skins.

The Kartika, also spelled as “kila,” is a symbolic dagger or ritual Phurba used in various ceremonies and practices within Tibetan Buddhism. It symbolizes the power to overcome obstacles, negative forces, and ignorance.

While the Kartika is normally held in the right hand of a Dakini in Vajrayana iconography and spiritual practice, occasionally it can be seen being held by esoteric male deities, such as certain forms of Yamantaka. It is also found frequently in the iconography of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual practice of Chod.

About this Ritual Item

This Vajra Kartika is made of copper alloy with gold and silver plated which has fine intricate filigree hand carvings known as siko carvings in local terms and is decorated with Turquoise, Coral, and Lapis stones giving this Vajra Kartika a stunning piece of art that is entirely a handcraft item which can be used as both ritual purpose and decoration. The fine hand-carving details are done very finely through the Vajra Kartika. This beautiful Vajra Kartika is hand-made by the master artisans of Patan, which lies in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal; who have been in the business for generations.