Materials:
Sterling Silver
Coral, lapis lazuli & turquoise
Gold-plated silver

Dimensions & Weight:
Length: 7 inches
Height: 6 inches
Depth: 1 inch
Weight: 450 grams

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

Master Nepali craftsman created this extraordinary sterling silver Ghau, intricately inlaid with lapis lazuli, coral, and turquoise.

Many Buddhists in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and now all over the world use a prayer box pendant called a “Ghau.” The Ghau opens to a concealed inner space, and is traditionally used by Tibetan Buddhists to hold a picture of their favorite deity of Lama, a folded-up scroll of sacred mantras, special herbs, or sacred relics. The Ghau is used as an amulet to help the wearer to ward off negative energy and attract blessings. A Ghau is also used as a portable shrine and is worn on a cord around the neck and hung close to the heart.

Iconography:

TOP: Chenrezig (carved from turquoise), is the most revered of all Bodhisattva, embodying the compassion of all Buddhas. He listens to the prayers of all sentient beings in times of challenge and difficulty. To the left is Vajrapani (carved from lapis lazuli), is the protector and guide of Gautama Buddha and rose to symbolize the Buddha’s power. To the right is Black Mahakala (carved from coral), who represents the ultimate destructive power and is not bounded by any rules or regulations. He has the power to dissolve even time and space into themselves and exists as a void at the dissolution of the universe.

INSIDE: The central figure, Maitreya Buddha (carved from turquoise), is regarded as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology; he will appear on Earth in the future, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. To the left is Manjushree (carved from coral), depicted as a male Bodhisattva wielding a flaming sword in his right hand, representing the realization of transcendent wisdom which cuts down ignorance and duality. To the right is Green Tara (carved from turquoise), the goddess of universal compassion who represents virtuous and enlightened activity. On the inside of the lid is the mantra: om mani padme hum.

BACK: A double vajra is on the reverse, a protective symbol that dispels evil, temptation, and deception from the four directions, dispels ignorance and invites wisdom, boosting power.

The detail and craftsmanship displayed in this unique double Ghau is absolutely remarkable.