Hand Carved Buddhist Tibetan Ritual Black Mahakala Gold Gilded Hand Face Painted Copper Statue

Black Mahakala Statue

 Black Mahakala – The Protector of Wisdom

Black Mahakala is an aspect of Mahakala, one of the eight great Dharmasalas, or Dharma Defenders. Also known as the Protector of Wisdom, Mahakala is a wrathful deity who courageously protects the Buddhist teachings and those who study them from harm and evil forces. Despite Mahakala's always terrifying appearance, he is a Bodhisattva, an embodiment of compassion who acts for the benefit of all sentient beings. His function is to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from attaining spiritual realizations, as well as to foster the necessary conditions for their practice. It is said that by simply making a wish for protection to Mahakala, a sincere seeker's needs will be met.

Gestures and Attributes

In the depiction of Mahakala, particularly in his Black aspect, a myriad of symbolic elements unveils the profound nature of this fierce and wrathful deity. Adorned with a crown of five skulls, Mahakala signifies the transformative power over the five poisons – greed, hatred, ignorance, pride, and jealousy. These skulls represent the transmutation into the five transcendent wisdoms, showcasing Mahakala's role in guiding practitioners toward enlightenment.

Standing triumphantly upon the lifeless form of the elephant-headed god Ganesh, Mahakala asserts his supreme authority as the destroyer of obstacles. The choice of black as his color further underscores his purpose – the obliteration of evil and hindrances along the spiritual path. This portrayal aligns Mahakala as a potent and relentless force in eliminating barriers to spiritual growth.

Six arms extend from Mahakala's formidable form, symbolizing his attainment of the six perfections of a Bodhisattva. His two feet embody wisdom and method, essential aspects of his enlightened nature. The upper right hand clasps a rosary of human skulls, emphasizing Mahakala's ceaseless activity for the well-being of sentient beings. In his lower right hand, he holds a Damaru, a ritual drum whose sound invokes blessings from all Buddhas, echoing the profound teachings of the Dharma.

The trident in Mahakala's upper left hand symbolizes his liberation from the imprints of delusions across the three realms. In his lower left hand, a lasso is wielded, showcasing his dominion over demonic forces and malevolent entities. The two main hands carry a ritual curved knife, representing Mahakala's ability to sever the root of delusion, and a skull bowl filled with the blood of the four maras, symbolizing his realization of emptiness and triumph over the forces of death.

As a fierce and wrathful aspect of Avalokiteshvara, the Lord of Compassion, Mahakala embodies the dynamic balance between compassion and the uncompromising force needed to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Each element in his iconography unveils layers of profound symbolism, inviting practitioners to contemplate and connect with the transformative power and wisdom embodied by Mahakala.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite statue offers a captivating portrayal of Black Dzambhala, expertly sculpted from copper alloy through the intricate lost wax method. Meticulously hand-carved, the statue is adorned with opulence, gilded with 24-karat gold, and delicately painted to bring forth the wrathful appearance of Black Dzambhala. Clad in a snake garland, holding his attributes, and embellished with finely carved jewelry, including a regal crown, every detail reflects the masterful craftsmanship invested in this sacred art piece.

The amalgamation of stunning gold gilding and precise hand-painting contributes to a rich finish, endowing the sculpture with a vibrant, lifelike aura. Crafted in Patan, Nepal, by the esteemed artisans of the Shakya clan, this masterpiece stands as a testament to their unparalleled skill, marking them as among the world's foremost craftsmen. As the modern custodians of a centuries-old tradition, these artisans inherit and perpetuate the fine metalworking techniques passed down through generations since ancient times. This sculpture not only captures the divine essence of Black Dzambhala but also serves as a tangible link to the enduring legacy of sacred artistry in temples and monasteries worldwide.