Namgyalma | Ushnishavijaya | Buddhist Goddess of Longevity Item #11n5

This stunning Namgyalma statue expresses a graceful and dignified presence. Namgyalma bestows long life, purification and grants rebirth. She rose from the brilliant rays of light that crown Shakyamuni Buddha. The flame-like crown of light (usnisha) is a sign of spiritual mastery, a result of the Buddha’s attainment of infinite knowledge, awareness, and vision.

She is known as Usnisavijaya in the Newari language and is one of the most famous Buddhist deities in Tibet, Mongolia and Nepal. Namgyalma is also the namesake of Namgyal monastery which was built by the third Dalai Lama.

She is depicted with 3 heads and 8 arms. Amitabha Buddha is shown sitting on her upper right palm which represents that her realization is more powerful or equal to that of Amitabha Buddha. The middle face represents the eradication of disasters, the heads on the sides represents the longevity of life and the defeat of evil.

She is shown sitting in full vajra posture above a single lotus blossom holding a double dorje and rope in her hands.While her lower right palm is in varada mudra (which symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear). Her first hand is tilted up and her second hand is grasping a bow. Her lower left hand resting on her lap is holding a long-life vase an Amrita-Kalash with a flower in bloom.

This Namgyalma Buddha Statue was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.

Annihilate my suffering and Bestow the sublime fruit of bliss, I pray.
Pacify all karmic and emotional impurities
With the Samadhi of supreme, stainless bliss.
Cleanse and pacify all the defilement
That cause a short life, which I have accumulated
during my previous wanderings in Samsara
By taking the lives and property of others
May you wash away and purify all that With a stream of immortal nectar.
~Sakya Ritual Prayer

Copper statues from Nepali do not need much maintenance. The best way to maintain the statue is to simply dust the piece periodically to keep any dirt from accumulating. They are meant solely for indoor use.

If you are really interested in making the statue shine you can use some coconut oil or other natural oil and a soft cotton rag to wipe down the metal portions of the piece. You can use a soft toothbrush as well to get into the small crevices of the statue. Please pay special attention to not use any oil on any painted surface of the sculpture, such as the face. This will damage the paint and possibly recolor the painted area. Simply use a cotton cloth to dust the face if the face requires attention. Make sure the surface that touches the face does not have any oil present on it. If there are stones on the sculpture use caution while going over the stones as they can become dislodged while handling the sculpture.

If you have any questions concerning your copper statue please email us at [email protected] or call us at 1(760) 429-7640.