Hand Made Copper Alloy with Gold Gilded and Face Painted 14.5" Simha Mukha Yogini Statue

Simha Mukha Yogini Statue

 Simha Mukhi Yogini Dakini – Retinue of Four Deities

Simhamukhi, Dakini (in Tibetan: Seng Ge Dong Chen Kha Dro Ma and in English: Lion Faced Dakini). With a body black in color, the face is that of a white lion, with three round yellow eyes, blazing fiercely with a gaping mouth, a yellow beard, eyebrows and hair flowing upward. The right hand holds upraised a curved knife which is called Kartika to the sky, left hand holds a skull cup of blood to the heart, carrying a Khatvanga staff tipped with a trident in the bend of the elbow supported against the shoulder. Adorned with a tiara of five skulls, red scarf, elephant skin, bone ornaments, a long snake and fifty freshly severed heads as a necklace, she wears a tiger skin skirt. Standing on the left leg with the right drawn up, trampling on a double triangle symbol, corpse, sun and multi-colored lotus seat, Simhamukha in a mood of great fierceness dwells in the middle of a blazing fire of pristine awareness.

Gestures and Attributes

Simha Mukha Yogini appears in a form wrathful, feminine and demonic; indeed, her form is said to be actually that of a Matrikia or Mamo, not because her nature is evil or demonic but because her wrathful aspect (khro gzugs) skillfully overcomes and subdues those violent negative energies. Simha Mukhi is a Jnana Dakini or wisdom goddess. According to Jigmed Lingpa (1726-1798), the famous Nyingmapa master and discoverer of hidden treasure texts or Termas, Simha Mukhi represents a Nirmanakaya manifestation, appearing in time and history, whereas her Sambhogakaya aspect is Vajravarahi and her Dharmakaya aspect is Samantabhadri, the Primordial Wisdom herself.

About this Sculpture

Expertly crafted from a copper alloy using the lost-wax method, this sculpture presents a striking representation of Simha Mukha Yogini Dakini. The face is adorned with gold plating and hand-painted details, enhancing its significant features and imbuing the piece with warmth and compassion. Each aspect of the Yogini’s visage has been lovingly hand-carved, reflecting the skill and dedication of the artisans.

 This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the Shakya clan, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship in sacred art. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred pieces for temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques they employ have been passed down through generations, ensuring the preservation of this rich cultural legacy.

The Simha Mukha Yogini represents not only artistic mastery but also a profound spiritual significance, serving as a powerful tool for meditation and devotion. Each sculpture encapsulates divine narratives and sacred symbols, making it a cherished piece within Newar culture and beyond.