Indra or Shaka in Newari Hinduism is a manifestation of royalty, prowess, and auspiciousness. He performs his Vedic duty of bringing rain, nourishing the earth, and letting nature’s bounties bloom, making him one of the most prominent deities worshiped in Nepal, a country where life depends upon nature and its forces’ benevolence.
This glistening gilded copper statue of Indra from Nepal depicts him in the regal Maharajalilasana, a pose that exudes a sense of grandeur. With finesse, the artists have captured the regal essence of the Lord of gods, adorning him with an ornate crown with delicate tassels, circular gemmed earrings, necklace, armlets, a golden sacred thread, anklets, and rings. Indra's body balances youthfulness with a warrior's strength, which are the perfect qualities in a sovereign according to Hindu traditions.
The countenance of Indra is enlivened with his three eyes, highlighting the virtue of wisdom to see through the past, present, and future. Life flows from Indra’s posture and expressions, the graceful placement of his hands, how his body weight shifts on his left hand, and the soft smile on his face, speaking for the skills of the Nepalese sculptors.
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