Mahakala Twelve Arms
Dvadashamukha Mahakala is a significant deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Also known as Twelve-faced Great Black One, Dvadashamukha Mahakala is a wrathful manifestation of the enlightened mind and embodies the aspect of compassionate activity. Devotion to Dvadashamukha Mahakala is believed to help practitioners overcome obstacles, protect them from harm, and eliminate negative forces hindering spiritual progress.
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Iconography:
Dvadashamukha Mahakala is depicted with twelve wrathful faces, symbolizing his ability to perceive and respond to the suffering of beings in all directions. Each face represents a specific enlightened quality and expression. He stands in a fierce posture, adorned with a crown of five skulls representing the transformation of the five poisons into wisdom. Dvadashamukha Mahakala's multiple arms hold various implements and weapons, symbolizing his power to subdue obstacles and protect practitioners.
History:
The origins of Dvadashamukha Mahakala can be traced back to ancient Indian Buddhist texts and practices. Over time, the deity became an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, particularly within the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages. Dvadashamukha Mahakala is considered an important guardian and protector of the teachings, entrusted with preserving and propagating the Dharma.
Temples and Monasteries:
While there are no known dedicated temples or monasteries exclusively dedicated to Dvadashamukha Mahakala in Nepal, there are several prominent monasteries and Buddhist centers worldwide where this deity is venerated. Some notable examples include Samye Monastery in Tibet, Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India, and various Tibetan Buddhist centers across the globe.
Benefits of Practicing Dvadashamukha Mahakala:
Devotees believe that practicing and invoking Dvadashamukha Mahakala brings numerous benefits. These include protection from obstacles and negative influences, removal of spiritual and worldly obstructions, enhancement of wisdom and compassion, and swift progress on the path to enlightenment. Additionally, engaging in Dvadashamukha Mahakala's practice can help cultivate fearlessness, confidence, and clarity of mind.
How to Practice:
The practice of Dvadashamukha Mahakala typically involves a combination of meditation, visualization, mantra recitation, and ritual offerings. Practitioners often receive empowerments and instructions from qualified teachers to engage in the deity's sadhana (practice). The practice may include invoking Dvadashamukha Mahakala's presence, generating oneself as the deity, reciting mantras, performing mudras (hand gestures), and engaging in deity yoga.
Mantras of Dvadashamukha Mahakala:
The primary mantra associated with Dvadashamukha Mahakala is:
"OM VAJRA DVA-DZA MUKHA MAHA ROCHANA SVAHA"
Other mantras commonly recited include the short mantra:
"OM VAJRA KRODHA KAYA MUKHA A-DZA HUM PHAT"
These mantras are considered sacred and are chanted or recited as part of the deity's practice, invoking the blessings and protection of Dvadashamukha Mahakala.
what is metal setting
The metal setting process is a traditional technique used to decorate Buddhist ritual objects and statues. It involves hammering metal, such as copper or brass, into relief designs and then finishing the metal with gold or silver plating. The process also includes adding stone settings for additional embellishment. This technique has been used for centuries and originally served the purpose of protecting objects from damage.
The process starts with hammering the metal into relief designs, which are then finished with gold or silver plating. This not only adds a decorative element but also protects the metal from tarnishing and damage. Additionally, the metal setting process can be enhanced by adding stone settings such as precious stones, which add an additional layer of beauty and exclusivity to the final piece.
Over time, the metal setting process has evolved into an art form used to create exclusive and ornate pieces. It is a highly skilled craft that requires a high degree of precision and is often used to create objects of religious significance, such as statues of deities and ritual objects used in Buddhist ceremonies. It is an essential aspect of traditional Buddhist art and continues to be valued and respected for its intricate and detailed nature.
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Silver Plated
The Mahakala Twelve Arms has a full Silver plated finish, Sliver plating process involves the application of a thin layer of genuine silver onto the surface of the Mahakala Twelve Arms, creating a stunning and lustrous appearance. Skilled artisans handle the silver plating, ensuring even coverage and a flawless finish. The silver plating adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the Mahakala Twelve Arms, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
WHAT'S THE SILVER PLATING PROCESS?
Silver plating is valued for its durability and ability to resist tarnishing, allowing the Mahakala Twelve Arms to maintain its radiant shine for an extended period. The silver-plated finish also offers versatility, complementing various design styles and adding a touch of refinement to any setting.
By choosing the Mahakala Twelve Arms with a silver plated finish, you can enjoy the timeless beauty and allure of silver, creating an exquisite and eye-catching piece that is sure to captivate.
The silver plating process steps are relatively straightforward, although they differ depending on what type you're doing — barrel or rack plating. The basic strategy, however, goes like this:
Inspection: Before electroplating, you should always check the part for imperfections — like cold shuts or sharp edges — and amend these issues before starting the process. Otherwise, the quality of the substrate will decrease, and this may cause problems for your customers.
Pre-treatment: Complete any necessary treatments before plating onto your metal part. You should also do an under-plating of copper, nickel or both metals. Additionally, you can add a silver strike or an anti-tarnish coating if there's a particular effect you want to achieve. If you plate a layer of nickel or copper with a 0.0005-inch thickness, the silver should also be 0.0005 inches for a total of 0.0010 inches.
Electroplating: Silver plating involves submerging the substrate into a bath of silver ions. After passing an electric current through the solution, the ions deposit onto the part's surface, coating it in your chosen metal — in this case, silver.
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Finishing: Stone Setting
The Mahakala Twelve Arms is adorned with an exquisite array of semi-precious stones, including turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli. These stones are carefully selected and meticulously placed on the Mahakala Twelve Arms's surface, adding a touch of opulence and enhancing its overall beauty. Each stone is thoughtfully positioned using a high-quality adhesive, ensuring secure and long-lasting attachment. The vibrant colors and unique patterns of the stones create a captivating contrast against the backdrop of the Mahakala Twelve Arms, elevating its visual appeal and making it truly eye-catching.
Beyond their decorative purpose, these semi-precious stones carry symbolic significance in various cultures and traditions. Turquoise is often associated with protection and healing, coral represents vitality and passion, while lapis lazuli symbolizes wisdom and truth. The inclusion of these stones not only adds to the aesthetic allure of the Mahakala Twelve Arms but also imbues it with deeper meaning and cultural symbolism.
The intricate placement of these semi-precious stones showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into the creation of the Mahakala Twelve Arms. It is a testament to the skill and artistic vision of the artisans who delicately adorn the statue, resulting in a truly remarkable and captivating piece of art.
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