King of Gods: Indra Sculpture | Divine Hindu Protector Figurine for Altar Home Decor
• Size:
◦ Height: 21.85”/55.5cm
◦ Width: 16.93”/43cm
• Weight: 12.87kg
• Materials: 24K Gold Gilded, Copper, Acrylic Paintings
• Technique: Traditional Lost Wax Casting
• Origin: Patan, Nepal
• Sculptor: Devraj Bajracharya
What Makes this Statue Unique
This hand-carved Sculpture is a remarkably rare and one-of-a-kind work, distinguished by its exceptional portrayal of Lord Indra in a crucifixion pose, a representation seldom encountered in traditional sculptural art. Crafted in Patan, Nepal, by Devraj Bajracharya using the traditional lost-wax casting technique, the statue is formed from a copper body and finished with acrylic painting and a triple layer of 24K gold gilding.
This representation of Lord Indra is especially remarkable for its very rare outstretched-arm iconography, a form closely associated with the Newar Buddhist and Hindu traditions of the Kathmandu Valley. Rather than symbolizing crucifixion or sacrifice, the posture refers to the well-known Indra Jatra legend in which Indra is captured and bound after descending in disguise to gather Parijat flowers. The composition preserves a distinctive local narrative and gives the sculpture an unusual historical and cultural character.
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Rare Iconographic Form: The horizontally extended arms represent a highly uncommon depiction of Indra, particularly in sculptural form.
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Connection to Indra Jatra: The pose recalls the traditional story of Indra being captured by local farmers during his search for Parijat flowers.
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Symbol of Capture: The extended arms signify the moment when Indra was bound to a wooden frame and displayed before his divine identity became known.
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Newar Artistic Tradition: This form is closely connected with the religious and artistic heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, where the legend continues to be commemorated during Indra Jatra.
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Distinctive Cultural Significance: Its unusual posture, narrative background, and regional importance make this iconography a rare and highly distinctive representation of the King of the Gods.
The richly gilded surface enhances the sculptural depth of the piece, while deeply engraved carvings create a striking three-dimensional effect across the ornaments, attire, and decorative details. Every carved element, from the carefully modeled posture and facial features to the intricately worked surface patterns, contributes to the statue’s distinctive presence. The unusual iconographic composition, traditional craftsmanship, layered gold finish, and deeply defined carving work make this sculpture an exceptionally rare find and a singular collector’s piece within Himalayan sacred art.
