Item Type: Tibetan Antique Statue
Dimensions: Height: 11.2 in (28 cm) Bottom diameter: 4.72 in (12 cm) x 2.36 in (6 cm)
Materials and Techniques: Gold, Gilt
Place of Origin: Dzogchen Monastery
Period: Qing Dynasty
Condition: Good
Qing Dynasty Tibetan-style gilt Puja Vajrakilaya statue. The term 'Puja' in Tibetan means 'vajra,' referring to the main ritual implement held by the deity, which is a triangular pointed weapon at the forefront, hence the ancient term 'Vajrakilaya,' now commonly known as 'Puja Vajra.' The 'Pu' signifies emptiness, while 'Ja' represents wisdom, thus 'Puja' conveys the inseparable nature of emptiness and wisdom. The practice of the Puja Vajra focuses on eliminating all forms of self-grasping and dispelling inner fears, enabling one to understand the nature of the Dharma realm. It's not about subduing external entities but about realizing one's own inner nature.
At the upper end of the statue is an image of the 'Wrathful Puja Vajrakilaya,' one of the manifestations of the Vajrakilaya deity. With three eyes, flame-like eyebrows, wide-open eyes, exposed teeth, and sharp wings protruding from the back, adorned with a crown of five skulls. With two hands, the right hand holds the vajra to subdue demons in a gesture of wrath, while the left hand holds a vajra rope. Below are depicted a makara and three-edged blades emanating from the makara's mouth, with the makara's nose curling upward, portrayed vividly. The three-edged blades symbolize the eradication of the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, as well as the attainment of liberation through the three doors, breaking the attachment to the ego and achieving freedom, ultimately leading to nirvana. The blades are firmly nailed onto the bodies of external adversaries.
This Puja Vajrakilaya guardian deity statue is extremely rare, with a high level of gilt throughout. It is a family heirloom of a fellow practitioner, worshipped in their family shrine for generations. Due to the passing of their elder family members, it has been made available to those destined to encounter it. Its rarity and high level of craftsmanship suggest that it likely originated from a monastery in its early years.
