Kapala – The Skull Cup
Guru Rinpoche Carved Resin Kapala: The skull cup, known as Kapala in Sanskrit, is fashioned from the oval upper section of a human cranium. It serves as a libation vessel for a vast number of Vajrayana deities, mostly wrathful. As a ritual implement, the selection of the right skull is of immense importance for the success of the ritual. The skull of a murder or execution victim is believed to possess the greatest tantric power; the skull of one who has died from a violent or accidental death, or from a virulent illness, possesses a medium magical power; the skull of a person who died peacefully in old age has virtually no occult power. The skull of a child who died during the onset of puberty also has great potency, as do the skulls of miscegenated or misbegotten child of unknown paternity, born from the forbidden union of castes, out of wedlock, from sexual misdemeanor, or particularly from incest. The ‘misbegotten skull’ of a seven or eight-year-old child born from an incestuous union is considered to possess the greatest power in certain tantric rituals. Here the vital force or potential of the skull’s ‘previous owner’ is embodied within the bone as a spirit, rendering it an effective power object for the performance of tantric rituals.
About this Guru Rinpoche / Padmasambhava Carved Resin Kapala
This Kapala bears the divine presence of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, intricately hand-carved at its center, surrounded by small White Metal skulls. Crafted from resin and silver-plated copper, the central figure is encircled by these skulls, adorned with Turquoise and Coral Stones that accentuate its beauty.
The master artisans of Patan, Nepal, have poured their skill and dedication into crafting this high-quality Guru Rinpoche Kapala. Their fine hand-carving work on Guru Rinpoche is a testament to their artistic mastery, reflecting precision and reverence for the sacred imagery. With its exquisite craftsmanship and spiritual significance, this Kapala stands as a remarkable showcase of Nepalese artistry.
