Nepalese Buddha Statues

Buddhism in Nepal

Currently, Nepal has declared itself as a secular country. But if we look at the history, we can learn that Nepal was originally a Hindu country having the trait of religious tolerance. Hence Buddhism was easily accepted in Nepal. We can also observe that there are common deities to whom both the religious groups venerate. It has also been recorded that even Hindu Kings have supported Buddhism and also constructed Buddhist Temples in Nepal.

Among the various dynasties of Nepal, it has been recorded that the initiation of Buddhist arts was observed during the period of Lichchavi dynasty. This dynasty is also known as an ancient period when the Buddhist arts were flourished. Lots of Buddha statues, chaityas, and stupas were carved and erected in different places in Nepal. For e.g. Antique Buddha statue like half-sunken Buddha in Pashupatinath, various Buddha statues in Changunarayan Premises apart from representations of Vishnu statues. The trend of making Buddha Statues has being continued till present day setting it as unique.

Buddha Statues in Nepal

In Nepal, Buddha statues, alternatively also known as Buddharupa are best known for their characteristics to demonstrate the teaching of Buddha. It is also related to an icon that symbolizes the learning which leads to the path to Nirvana. The Buddhist followers also believe that when the statue is observed, the observer also feel and experience the same calm feeling that the statue is portraying. Therefore, many of them practice meditation in front of Buddha statues. Hence, they tend to house the Buddha statues in their prayer room as well.

Since the Buddhism was flourished in ancient Nepal, there are notable antique Buddha statues in the Buddhists pilgrimage sites such as Swayambhunath Temple, Lumbini, Boudhanath, etc. And these statues were crafted through exceptional handmade skills. These skills are still transferred to generations to generations. That's why Nepal is well known for producing best quality Buddha statues in the world.

Popular Buddha statues

It is true that Nepal has positioned itself as a country that produces one of the best quality and beautifully carved Buddha statues. These statues are loved by almost every Buddhists follower and art lovers. It is recorded that these statues are bought by the art curators, monasteries, Buddhists followers, art lovers, and vendors. But among all the statues carved in Nepal, there are certain Nepalese Buddha statues that are popular among Buddhist countries. These statures are mainly of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Vairochana Buddha, Maitreya Buddha. Nepali artists have been found carving these Buddha statues in different sizes, postures, hand mudras and medium.

Apart from these Buddha statues, Nepali artists also carve statues of major Bodhisattvas - Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva Manjushree, Tara, etc. Regarding the medium of art creation, these statues are generally carved using Copper, Wood, Marble, Gold, and Silver. But most of the statues are carved in Bronze and most of the people love to have bronze statues since it is less expensive in comparison to others and also durable.

Iconography of Nepalese Buddha statues

Nepalese Buddha statues stand out if compared with other Buddha statues originating from other Buddhist countries. The statues are mainly portrayed in sitting position in the lotus throne. But we can see variation in the hand postures. The different hand postures used in the Buddha statues are Abhaya Mudra, Bhumisparsha Mudra, Dharmachakra Mudra, Dhyana Mudra, Varada Mudra, Vitarka Mudra and Namaskara Mudra. These hand mudras have deep meaning within them.

Along with these, the Buddha statues have peculiar characteristics- small bump in the head, long earlobes.

The Nepalese Buddha statue is equipped with a monastic robe. The robe is shown in the open mode, leaving the right shoulder and right breast uncovered.

Places to buy Nepalese Buddha statues

In Nepal, there are few Buddha shop where you can buy the best quality Nepalese Buddha statues. But it is only possible if the buyer is in Nepal. What if the person out of Nepal wants to buy these Buddha statues. In earlier days, it may sound impossible but with the innovation of the technology, people can now observe and buy Buddha statues through internet itself. Buying from the internet comes handy because you will be notified about any Buddha statues for sale instantly and also you can just sit in front of the computer and search the whole online Buddha statue gallery .