The handle of this exquisitely carved Phurpa/chopper has partially a peacock's head with its ear and eyebrows made in the shape of a bird's wings. A chopper with bent tip is coming out from the mouth of a makara. There are four heads of Mahakala and two heads of Ganesha, arranged in vertical rows. On the top there is one head of Mahakala who is wearing a crown of skulls and has upswept hair, behind the crown. After this, there are two rows of the heads of Mahakala and Ganesha and in each row there are two heads are differently sized and shaped. All the heads of Mahakala has ferocious expressions with open mouth and bared fangs. They have three eyes, their beard is made of hook like shape, and they wear crown with skull ornaments. There are snakes around their necks. The well-polished heads of Ganesha are also wearing crown and have three eyes along with their trunks and Turks.
So, far as the association of Ganesha with the Mahakala is concerned, it is well know that Ganesha was also incorporated into Buddhist pantheon, particularly in Japan, and it is said that Mahakala is prototype of Siva-Maheshvara. Ganesha is the son of Siva and Parvati, and thus the association of Ganesha with Mahakala seems natural and we may consider it as a composite from of both the deities. But it is also notable that there is numerous representation of Mahakala where he is trampling Ganesha. The present representation is perhaps artist's creation where both the deities have been shown in a composite form.
References:
A.K.Gordon, The Iconography of Tibetan Lamaism, New York, 1939
A.Getty, The Gods of Northern Buddhism, Tokyo, 1962
A.Waddel, Buddhism and Lamaism, of Tibet, Delhi, 1978 (reprint)
D.N.Bakshi, Hindu Divinities in Japanese Buddhist Pantheon, Calcutta, 1979
Wrathful Guardian of Buddhism: Aesthetics and mythology, Article of the month Feb.2001, Exotic India.
This description by Dr. Shailendra Kumar Verma, Ph.D. His doctorate thesis being on the "Emergence and Evolution of the Buddha Image (from its inception to 8th century A.D).
Of Related Interest :
Hayagriva Phurpa cum Chopper
Hayagriva Chopper
Chopper with Vajra Hilt
Chopper Earrings
Ritual Implements in Tibetan Buddhism: A Symbolic Appraisal
Six Armed Mahakala
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist