The first Bodhisattva to emerge in Mahayana Buddhism, Bajarapani embodies the Buddha’s strength and serves as the Buddha’s guardian and protector. He is known as the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries, as he maintains the truth despite obstacles like despair and gullibility. Also called Chagna Dorje in Tibetan, Vajrapani is also often referred to as the “Holder of the Vajra.” 

In most Buddist lore, he manifests as a yaksha entity and has a wrathful disposition. In many versatile Buddhist iconographies, representations of Vajrapani as one of the original three encircling Bodhisattvas or guardian deities can also be seen. In these images, Vajrapani, who guards the Buddha, manifests as the Buddha’s strength. 

 The beautifully crafted statue of Vajrapani by Milushree Arts depicts the deity as standing in the Pratyalidha position, with his left leg extended and his right leg bowed. The rather menacing countenance of the deity is not meant to threaten us, but rather threaten our misconceptions and bad karma. With his left palm stretched outwards while holding a golden five-pointed vajra in his right hand, the statue stands at the fore of a blazing halo of fire and skulls.

 

Crafted by Newar sculptors of the Kathmandu valley. The use of local materials, talent, and labour is the only foundation for traditional handicrafts, and Milushree Art’s craftsmen are able to create the finest hand-crafted items because of the remarkable talents that have been passed down through the generations. Despite the introduction of new technology, the methods of manufacture and the designs of our products remain unchanged. The main principles of the casting technique used to craft the statue require our artisans to prepare a wax model, cover it with various clays, heat the object until the wax melts, extract the liquid wax to create a cavity, pour melted metal into the cavity, and allow it to cool until the wax model is transformed into the metal image of the Vajrapani. However, obtaining a flawless cast is extremely challenging in contrast to the process’s simplicity. Raw wax must be prepared with great care before moving on to the gilding process, which, in most cases, can take years. 

 

Moulded in copper, gilded in mercury gold, and varnished with gold dust, the statue of Vajrapani is a labour of love and compassion for the art form. Decorated with acrylic paint and precious stones, the statue is a beautiful addition to any home or altar. Housing the statue of the Vajrapani is believed to attract protection and prosperity. 

 

In much of Buddist folklore, Vajrapani is also sometimes referred to as the rain deity. According to legend, the Nagas (serpents) came before Buddha to hear his teachings. Tathagata gave Vajrapani the task of protecting them from the onslaught of their sworn foes, the Garudas. Vajrapani took the shape similar to the Garuda themselves, with a head, wings, and claws to trick and fight them. As a result, Vajrapani is revered as the Rain God because he protected the Nagas. Many Buddhist cultures in the north also appeal to Vajrapani when rain is needed or when there’s too much downpour. Among the many variations of Vajrapani, one may also locate it in Garuda form. 

When Vajrapani is shown, such as Milushree Art’s iteration, the deity often stands and holds a lotus, on which is positioned the Vajra crest. With the utmost regard for the culture and tradition from which it is derived, each of our exhibits are handled, crafted, hand-curated, and hand-moulded to include authentic motifs and aspects unique to that particular cultural notion and practice.