Our 20″ 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara sculpture captures the dramatic reconstruction of Avalokiteshvara carried out by Amitabha Buddha — the most dramatic form of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This handmade sculpture is a classic depiction of the special embodiment that Amitabha derived for him. His two principal hands are pressed together in reverence to his teacher Amitabha Buddha; five more principal hands hold his sacred implements, and the final principal hand extends in the Varada “gift giving” mudra. Finally, two of his heads are dedicated to Vajrapani (wrathful) and Amitabha Buddha.
The standing figure rises from a double lotus pedestal onto a stepped throne engraved on every surface: scroll-worked panels frame a central carved drape, small guardian faces watch from the niches at either side, and bands of beading and engraved scrollwork run along each step, finished with rope-twist accents at the corners. Behind him, the hand hammered repoussé aureole glows with foliage scrolls and raised bosses around a red-pigmented ground.
On the reverse of the torso, the artisan has fitted a removable panel opening into the statue’s hollow interior — the traditional consecration chamber. This allows a lama to fill the statue with mantras, relics, and sacred substances, transforming it from a work of art into a true support for practice. Learn how the ritual is performed in our guide to statue filling, blessing, and consecration. Seen from behind, the ribbons at his hips and the crest above the heads are backed in red, and each face in the eleven-head stack is fully painted in the round.
This 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara sculpture was handmade using the traditional lost wax sculpting method. The lost wax method has been passed down for many generations and it is the primary method used for Nepali sculptures. As a result of the high quality, Nepali sculpture has been the preferred source of the Tibetan monasteries for many centuries. Therefore, the buyer of this sculpture can rest assured they have procured a monastic quality 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara.
1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara Story
Avalokiteshvara is known as the “Bodhisattva of Compassion” because he vowed to forego Buddhahood until the suffering of all sentient life was eliminated. Some time after taking his most compassionate vow, he realized the enormity of the task and came under unbearable pressure. As a result, he exploded into thousands of pieces.
Fortunately, Amitabha Buddha appeared to put him back together again. Additionally, Amitabha chose to make a few modifications in order to enable Avalokiteshvara to work faster. As such, Avalokiteshvara received 1000 arms and 11 heads. The arms are for working and the 11 heads will enable him to better see and hear the suffering of the world. This form embodies the Avalokiteshvara vow to remain in samsara until all beings are liberated — learn more about the Bodhisattva’s compassionate vow. Browse the complete statue gallery to see this piece alongside its larger siblings.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue and ritual item is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal's Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
pascal poirel (verified owner) –
hello Edwin,
this little email to tell you that I received the statue of Tchenrezi 1000 arms.
I am happy to include it in my practice, it will soon be dedicated.
Its finesse and the precision of its details are simply extraordinary …
A big thank you to all who participated in the making of this magnificent work of art.
I wish the benefits of my practice to be for them too.
Thank you for the seriousness and speed of sending the order, and despite the language problems, I will not hesitate to use your services for my next projects.
Greetings, Pascal Poirel.
Of France.