Fine Quality Copper Alloy with Gold Plated 4.25" Bernagchen Mahakala Statue

Bernagchen Mahakala Statue

 Bernagchen Mahakala – The Protector of the Karma Kagyu School

Bernagchen Mahakala, also known as Dorje Bernagchen, is a two-armed Mahakala who serves as a protector of the Karma Kagyu school in Tibetan Buddhism. He is often depicted as a wrathful deity, signifying his power to eliminate obstacles and opposing forces. Bernagchen Mahakala is deeply connected with the Karma Kagyu lineage, particularly with the Karmapas. This protective deity is described as figures possessing stout bodies, and short but thick and strong limbs. His flaming hair, decorated with a crown of skulls, rises from his forehead, while a circle of flames dance around him. His face possesses a typical wrathful expression. The mouth is contorted to an angry smile from its corners protrude long fangs. The protruding, bloodshot eyes have an angry and staring expression and usually a third eye is visible in the middle of the forehead. Various rituals and practices are associated with Bernagchen Mahakala to invoke his blessings and protect the practitioner from negative influences.

Bernagchen Mahakala is a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism, representing a fierce aspect of compassion and protection. His importance transcends religious rituals profoundly impacting art, culture, and spiritual lives of practitioners.

Gestures and Attributes

Appearance: Bernagchen Mahakala is typically depicted as a black-cloaked figure with three round protruding eyes, an open red mouth with white fangs, a beard, large eyebrows, and hair that flows upward. He holds a curved flying knife with a Vajra (spiritual implement) handle in his right hand, which symbolizes the cutting through of negative patterns such as aggression, hatred, and ignorance. In his left hand, he holds a blood-filled skull cup, a ritual element typically filled with blood or human brain matter. He wears a crown of five white skulls, earrings, bracelets, and a garland of freshly severed heads around his waist. He is seen standing on the corpse of two human bodies, thus symbolizing the death of negativities and the complete uprooting of negative patterns to such a point that, like a dead body, they will not come to life.

Symbolism: Bernagchen embodies a formidable manifestation of compassion and safeguarding. His appearance and attire symbolize his power to overcome self-deception, revenge, greed, anger, and ignorance.

Rituals and practices: Various rituals and practices are associated with Bernagchen Mahakala to invoke his blessings and protect the practitioner from negative influences. These include elaborate offerings, recitations, daily worship, invocation of blessings, Mahakala Puja, dispelling negativities, empowerment, and spiritual commitment.

About this Sculpture

The statue of Bernagchen Mahakala described in the sources is a true masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship. Sculpted from copper alloy and meticulously gold-plated, this statue exudes richness and sensuality. Bernagchen Mahakala, depicted in a fearful form standing upon a lotus throne, emanates a wrathful appearance with a typical fierce expression on his face. The intricate detailing of his robes and ornaments showcases marvelous craftsmanship, adding to the statue's allure.

The exquisite gold plating finish on the copper enhances the statue's beauty, giving it a vibrant and lifelike quality. Handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the Shakya clan, renowned for their exceptional skills, this sculpture represents a blend of tradition and contemporary artistry. These craftsmen, the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition, have preserved and passed down fine metalworking techniques through generations, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to creating sacred art for temples and monasteries. The statue of Bernagchen Mahakala stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and devotion to sacred traditions that have been cherished for centuries.