Vajradhara Statue 9″ | Primordial Buddha, Vajrahumkara Mudra, 24K Gold

This Vajradhara Buddha statue is fully fire gilded in pure 24K gold from the lotus throne through to the crown — the complete surface of the figure bonded with real gold using the traditional mercury gilding method, producing the deep, luminous finish that will never tarnish and holds its color indefinitely. The statue was handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by a Newar master artisan using the traditional lost wax sculpting method, wearing the elaborate crown and jewels of a Bodhisattva throughout. At no extra charge, the crown and earrings can be additionally embellished with turquoise and red coral stones — simply submit your preference before the order ships and the artisan will complete the embellishment before delivery.

Vajradhara (Tibetan: Dorje Chang; Sanskrit: “Vajra-Holder”) is the primordial Adi Buddha — the supreme essence of all male Buddhas and the “Ruler of the Vajra Beings” — recognized in the Kagyu and Sakya schools of Tibetan Buddhism as the original source of all Tantric transmission. He is also understood as the Tantric form of Shakyamuni Buddha, representing the same enlightened mind expressed through the complete language of Vajrayana. Achieving the “State of Vajradhara” is synonymous with the realization of Nirvana — the permanent transcendence of samsara that is the ultimate goal of Tantric practice. Both Vajradhara and Samantabhadra are recognized as primordial Buddha forms across the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism — they are doctrinally equivalent and iconographically distinct, with Vajradhara adorned in the crown and jewels of a Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra depicted unadorned.

Vajradhara Buddha Statue Features

Vajradhara is depicted seated in full lotus posture, arms crossed at the chest in the Vajrahumkara mudra — the gesture of the inseparable union of great bliss and emptiness at the foundation of all Tantric realization. In his right hand he holds the vajra (thunderbolt scepter), symbolizing the masculine principle of enlightenment — compassion, skillful means, and bliss. In his left hand he holds the ghanta (ritual bell), symbolizing the feminine principle of wisdom. The crossing of his arms unites these two principles permanently — the union of compassion and wisdom that defines the State of Vajradhara and is inseparable from the experience of full enlightenment itself.

The full 24K gold fire gilding of this statue makes it the most formally complete expression of Vajradhara iconography — the blazing golden surface reflecting the luminosity of the Dharmakaya that Vajradhara embodies. This is the finish traditionally used for the most important altar statues in Tibetan monasteries. The Newar artisans of Patan have been the preferred source of sacred sculpture and ritual items for Tibetan monasteries for centuries, and the quality of the lost wax carving and gilding work on this statue reflects that unbroken tradition. Learn more about Newar artisan sculpting traditions and the fire gilding process.