This remarkable 9.25-inch Usnisavijaya Sculpture depicts Namgyalma, the “Victorious Crown Goddess,” in her distinctive three-faced and eight-armed form. Handmade in Patan, Nepal, from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the statue combines brilliant 24K fire gilding with a deep antiquated red-brown finish. The contrasting treatment is especially striking across the lower robes, flowing celestial scarves and lotus throne, allowing the gilded upper body, eight arms, crown and sacred attributes to stand prominently against the darker surfaces. The three faces are hand painted with 18K gold and natural pigments, completing an elaborate representation of one of Tibetan Buddhism’s principal deities of longevity and purification.
Usnisavijaya Sculpture and the Three Long-Life Deities
Usnisavijaya, known as Namgyalma in Tibetan, is traditionally associated with longevity, purification of negative karma and overcoming obstacles to a long and meaningful life. Together with Amitayus and White Tara, she forms the celebrated Three Long-Life Deities of Tibetan Buddhism. Their longevity practices are not concerned simply with extending ordinary existence. Long life provides practitioners with greater opportunity to study and practice the Dharma, accumulate merit and wisdom, purify obscurations and work for the benefit of sentient beings.
The iconography of this Usnisavijaya Sculpture immediately distinguishes Namgyalma from the other two long-life deities. Three faces look outward in different directions, expressing an expansive awareness that is reinforced by her eight radiating arms. The serene principal face displays a clearly painted vertical third eye of wisdom between the brows, while another eye appears in the palm of her extended lower hand. Her additional faces, elaborate crown and complex arrangement of arms create an unusually powerful visual presence despite the statue’s compact 9.25-inch height.
Three Faces, Eight Arms and Sacred Attributes
Namgyalma’s eight arms carry an intricate collection of ritual attributes and display symbolic hand gestures. Visible among them are a small seated Buddha image, bow and arrow and other sacred implements associated with her traditional form. Her open lower hand extends toward the devotee in a gesture of generosity, with the eye painted upon its palm adding another distinctive element to the composition. The remaining hands converge around the upper body or extend outward, producing the characteristic symmetrical arrangement associated with her complex iconography. Our illustrated guide explains the meaning and iconography of Namgyalma in greater detail.
24K Gold Gilding and Newar Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship of this Usnisavijaya Sculpture is particularly evident in the elaborate multi-point crown surrounding her dark blue-black hair and tall gathered topknot. Large circular earrings frame the faces, while necklaces, bracelets, armlets and engraved garment borders enrich the figure. Long celestial scarves weave behind the arms before curling outward beside the lotus throne. The selective 24K gold fire gilding creates an especially attractive contrast with the antiquated red-brown robes and pedestal. Turquoise and red coral gemstones may also be embedded into appropriate areas of the crown and jewelry upon request, adding traditional Himalayan color to the gold and copper composition.
Create a Three Long-Life Deities Statue Set
For a traditional longevity altar, Namgyalma can be displayed with our 12-inch gilded Aparmita figure and eight-inch seven-eyed White Tara. Together these three figures constitute the traditional Three Long-Life Deities. Amitayus embodies infinite life and holds the vessel containing the nectar of immortality; White Tara represents compassionate healing and longevity; and Namgyalma is strongly associated with purification and overcoming obstacles to life.
A 12-inch Jetsun Dolma figure can be added as a complementary fourth statue. Green Tara is not formally one of the Three Long-Life Deities, but her symbolism of swift compassionate activity and protection makes her a meaningful addition. The resulting four-statue arrangement combines longevity, purification, healing and active compassion while preserving the traditional relationship between Namgyalma, Amitayus and White Tara.
Custom-Made Usnisavijaya Sculpture and Long-Life Deity Statues
Collectors, practitioners, monasteries and Dharma centers seeking a coordinated altar may commission custom-made Tibetan Buddhist statues handcrafted by skilled artisans in Nepal. A complete Namgyalma, Amitayus and White Tara set can be commissioned with complementary dimensions, lotus thrones, 24K gold finishes and ornamental treatments while preserving the traditional iconography of each deity. Green Tara may also be commissioned as a fourth complementary figure. Turquoise and red coral embellishments can be incorporated where appropriate. Whether displayed individually or as part of a complete longevity altar, this Usnisavijaya Sculpture combines sophisticated Newar craftsmanship with one of the most distinctive sacred forms in Tibetan Buddhist art.
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.
