Vajravarahi on Mandala Statue

Vajravarahi / Dorje Phagmo – The Female Buddha

Vajravarahi is also known as Dorje Phagmo, Vajravarahi is a representation of complete Buddhahood in female form, whose practices are associated with the Chakrasamvara Cycle of Anuttarayoga Tantra. Although her practice exists in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, she is particularly associated with the Kagyu tradition and has appeared to and bestowed initiations on some Mahasiddhas over the years. Making offerings to her image makes a connection with this extremely potent Buddha and seeing her plants seeds of enlightenment in our mind stream. Her image pacifies our immediate environment, clears negative energy and protects from negative interferences.

Gestures and Attributes

Vajravarahi is holds a cemetery knife in her right hand, and a skull cup in her left. In the crook of her left elbow is a Khatvanga staff and her two legs are in a celestial dancing posture on a human corpse. She is often depicted with a sow's head on the side of her own, symbolic of triumph of dharma over ignorance.

Iconography

Vajravarahi is depicted in red colour with a wrathful expression, Vajravarahi has one face, two arms and three eyes with a small pig's head in her hair. She holds a cemetery knife in her right hand, and a skull cup in her left. In the crook of her left elbow is a Khatvanga staff and her two legs are in a celestial dancing posture on a human corpse. She is often depicted with a sow's head on the side of her own, symbolic of triumph of dharma over ignorance.

About this Sculpture

This exceptional statue, expertly sculpted from Copper Alloy using the revered lost wax method, stands as a captivating portrayal of Vajravarahi. Meticulously hand-carved, it undergoes a silver-plated oxidation process, resulting in a finish that is not only rich but also sensuously captivating.

The fine details of the statue, including the intricately carved ornaments, necklaces, armlets, and anklets, along with the frame behind the figure, bear testimony to the impeccable craftsmanship of the master artisans. Vajravarahi, standing gracefully on a Mandala base, adds another layer of symbolism to the sculpture. The Mandala itself is adorned with a mesmerizing design of three encircles, featuring a skull circle in the innermost, Vajra circles in the middle, and outer circles embellished with winding vines.

Adding to the Mandala's allure is a hand-carved design of three skulls, enhancing the overall beauty of the sculpture. The combination of oxidation and silver plating not only enriches the appearance but also infuses the statue with a vibrant and lifelike quality.

Individually crafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the esteemed Shakya clan, globally recognized as among the finest, this sculpture represents a continuation of a centuries-old tradition. These craftsmen, as modern heirs to this legacy, specialize in creating sacred art for temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques employed in its creation have been passed down through generations since ancient times, adding a profound historical and cultural significance to this exceptional work of art.