Crystal Phurba and Kartika

Mahakala Phurba:

Mahākāla Phurba is a traditional Himalayan Buddhist ritual dagger associated with the powerful protective energies of Mahākāla, a major protector figure in Vajrayana Buddhism. A phurba (Tibetan: phur pa) is a three-sided ritual implement traditionally used in tantric Buddhist practices and symbolizes the transformation and subjugation of harmful forces, obstacles, and negative influences.

A Mahākāla Phurba commonly features a three-edged blade, an ornate handle, and symbolic imagery connected with Mahākāla and Vajrayana iconography. Depending on the tradition and craftsmanship, the upper portion may depict a deity, faces, skull motifs, vajra elements, or other sacred symbols.

Handcrafted examples made by Himalayan artisans can be valued both as ritual objects and works of traditional metalwork, particularly when they incorporate detailed repoussé, carving, casting, or hand-finishing.

Mahākāla Kartika:

Mahākāla Kartika is a traditional Vajrayana Buddhist ritual implement associated with Mahākāla, an important protector deity in Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist traditions. The kartika (also called a kartari or ritual crescent knife) is characteristically shaped with a curved, crescent-like blade and is frequently depicted in Buddhist tantric art as an attribute held by wrathful deities.

The kartika carries rich symbolic meaning. Its curved blade is traditionally understood in connection with the cutting away of attachment, ignorance, obstacles, and negative influences. In ritual and iconographic contexts, it may appear together with a kapala (skull cup), forming a well-known pair of tantric ritual implements.

A handcrafted Mahākāla Kartika may feature detailed Buddhist motifs such as vajras, flames, skull imagery, lotus patterns, deity faces, or other Himalayan decorative elements. Traditionally made examples can showcase the metalworking skills of Nepalese and Tibetan artisans through casting, carving, repoussé, engraving, and hand-finishing.

Copper with gold plated.

Himalayan quartz Crystals, Coral, Lapis and turquoise.

Handmade in Nepal.

For more information: info@nepalartsandcrafts.com