Our 19.5-inch Gold Gilded Vajrapani Statue is a commanding handmade representation of Chana Dorje, the wrathful Bodhisattva embodying the enlightened power of the Buddhas. Created in Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the sculpture combines extensive gold gilding with exceptionally fine hand-painted details. Vajrapani lunges forward in a dynamic warrior posture surrounded by a removable aureole of blazing wisdom flames. His muscular form, flowing scarves, elaborate ornaments and richly modeled lotus pedestal give this substantial sculpture an imposing presence from every viewing angle.
Iconography of the Gold Gilded Vajrapani Statue
Known in Sanskrit as Vajrapani, in Tibetan as Chana Dorje, and as Guhyapati, the “Lord of Secrets,” he represents enlightened power directed toward overcoming the obstacles that impede spiritual realization. His raised right hand brandishes the vajra, or thunderbolt, while his forceful posture conveys tremendous controlled energy. His three wrathful eyes stare intensely outward, symbolically transcending ordinary perception, while his open mouth reveals sharply rendered teeth and fangs. Brilliant red and black painted details surrounding the eyes, eyebrows, mouth and facial hair create a dramatic contrast against the gilded face. Learn more about the symbolism in our guide to Vajrapani iconography.
Five-Skull Crown and Flaming Wisdom Aureole
Vajrapani’s elaborate crown incorporates five prominent skulls above his wrathful face. Within Vajrayana iconography, these are associated with transformation of the five poisons into the five transcendent wisdoms. The sculptural detail continues through his earrings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets, while a serpent coils prominently through the composition. His dark tiger-skin garment creates another strong visual contrast against the luminous gilded body. Behind him rises a removable copper-alloy aureole formed from sweeping flames, finished in deep reddish tones with gold-colored tips. These flames represent pristine awareness consuming ignorance and spiritual obstruction.
Optional Turquoise and Red Coral Adornment
The sculpture can also be further embellished before delivery. At the buyer’s request, our artisan can add genuine turquoise and red coral stones to selected areas of Vajrapani’s crown and ornaments at no additional charge. This optional treatment introduces the vivid red and turquoise accents characteristic of richly ornamented Himalayan Buddhist sculpture while allowing collectors who prefer the present gold-dominant appearance to retain the statue exactly as shown.
Gold Gilded Vajrapani and 1000-Armed Avalokiteshvara
Vajrapani makes an exceptional altar companion to 1000-Armed Avalokiteshvara. Together they represent enlightened power and boundless compassion, forming two members of the traditional Rigsum Gonpo, or Lords of the Three Families. With Manjushri representing wisdom, the complete triad expresses three essential qualities of the enlightened path: wisdom, compassion and power. Collectors wishing to create this arrangement can pair this sculpture with our masterpiece Thousand-Armed Chenrezig sculpture.
Statue Filling and Consecration in Nepal
A rectangular removable consecration door is located on the back of the Vajrapani figure, providing access to the hollow interior for traditional filling and blessing. For collectors who intend the sculpture for Buddhist practice or a shrine, we can arrange for the statue to be traditionally prepared in Nepal before shipment. Our guide to Buddha statue filling, blessing and consecration explains the process and the sacred materials traditionally placed within a Buddhist statue.
Custom Made Vajrapani Statues
If you admire this Gold Gilded Vajrapani Statue but require another size, finish or configuration for your shrine, we can arrange custom Tibetan Buddhist statues handmade by skilled artisans in Nepal. A custom Vajrapani can be commissioned in copper alloy with different dimensions, gilding treatments, hand-painted details, gemstone ornamentation or other traditional finishing preferences. This option is particularly suitable for collectors creating a coordinated Rigsum Gonpo altar or seeking a Vajrapani sculpture made to complement an existing Buddhist collection.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue 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.
