Finely Hand Carved Resin and Silver Plated Copper 6.75" Citipati Mandala Kapala

Citipati Mandala Carved Resin Kapala

 Kapala – The Skull Cup

The skull cup, known as Kapala in Sanskrit, is fashioned from the oval upper section of a human cranium. It serves as a libation vessel for a vast number of Vajrayana deities, mostly wrathful. As a ritual implement, the selection of the right skull is of immense importance for the success of the ritual. The skull of a murder or execution victim is believed to possess the greatest tantric power; the skull of one who has died from a violent or accidental death, or from a virulent illness, possesses a medium magical power; the skull of a person who died peacefully in old age has virtually no occult power. The skull of a child who died during the onset of puberty also has great potency, as do the skulls of miscegenated or misbegotten child of unknown paternity, born from the forbidden union of castes, out of wedlock, from sexual misdemeanor, or particularly from incest. The 'misbegotten skull' of a seven or eight-year-old child born from an incestuous union is considered to possess the greatest power in certain tantric rituals. Here the vital force or potential of the skull's 'previous owner' is embodied within the bone as a spirit, rendering it an effective power object for the performance of tantric rituals.

About this Ritual Item

This beautiful Kapala is hand-carved with the figure of Citipati Mandala, made of resin, silver plated copper, and adorned with small metal skulls that encircle it. It is meticulously hand-painted to enhance its beauty. The intricate carving and painting work are executed with precision. This high-quality Citipati Carved Kapala is crafted by master artisans of Patan, Nepal.