Handmade Tsongkhapa Statue Set with Disciples
This Handmade Tsongkhapa Statue Set with Disciples is a remarkable representation of the revered Gelugpa master and his two foremost disciples, Je Gyaltsab and Je Khedrup. Skillfully handcrafted in Nepal, each figure is made from oxidized copper and adorned with 24K gold gilding, complemented by delicate gold and acrylic paintings. The central Tsongkhapa statue measures 12 inches in height, while the two disciples stand at 9.6 inches each, all seated in serene contemplation. With a total weight of 7.86 kilograms, this set embodies spiritual refinement and is ideal for practitioners, collectors, or as a sacred altar centerpiece.
Tsongkhapa, the revered philosopher and founder of the Gelug tradition, is shown in serene meditation, his hands forming the Dharmachakra Mudra—the sacred gesture of teaching—held close to his heart. From his palms bloom two lotus stems: the left crowned with a flaming sword, symbolizing wisdom’s sharp edge slicing through ignorance, and the right bearing the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra, the embodiment of perfect wisdom and the cornerstone of his teachings. Flanking him are his loyal disciples, Je Gyaltsab and Je Khedrup, each captured in the Vitarka Mudra, the sign of thoughtful debate and transmission. Holding scriptures, they represent the living thread of Tsongkhapa’s profound legacy. This finely crafted set tells a story of insight, devotion, and the enduring flow of enlightened knowledge.
Tsongkhapa Size: 12”/30.5cm (Height) x 9.1”/23cm (Base)
Je Gyaltsab Size: 9.6”/24.5cm (Height) x 7.1”/18cm (Base)
Je Khedrup Size: 9.6”/24.5cm (Height) x 7.1”/18cm (Base)
Material: 24K Gold Gilded, Gold & Acrylic Paintings, Oxidized Copper Body
Total Weight: 7.86 kg
Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) was a highly revered Tibetan religious philosopher and devoted monastic. He dedicated his life to the study of Indian Buddhist texts, seeking out and mastering all the classical teachings available in Tibet during his time. In his well-known depiction, he is seen wearing a tall yellow hat, symbolizing his role as the founder of the Gelug school, which remained the dominant Buddhist tradition in Tibet until China’s takeover in 1951. The Dalai Lama is considered the de facto leader of this tradition.
Among Tsongkhapa’s most distinguished disciples was Gyaltsab Je, who played a key role in the construction of Gaden Monastery, an institution founded by Tsongkhapa himself. He was appointed as the monastery’s second abbot and, following Tsongkhapa’s passing, assumed the position of Gaden Tripa—the official head of the Gelug tradition.
Another prominent student, Khedrup Je, was a prolific scholar, having authored fifty-eight treatises along with numerous prayer texts. His works continue to hold great significance, and one of his key writings on Kalachakra serves as the foundation for the Kalachakra Tantra empowerment bestowed by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama.
