Golden Naropa Statue - Guardian of the Northern Gate | Disciple of Tilopa
This Golden Naropa Statue – Guardian of the Northern Gate, also known as the Mahasiddha Naropa, measures 7.8”/20cm in height and 5.5”/14cm at the base, with a weight of 1.71 kg. This piece is a fine example of spiritual artistry made from copper gilded in 24K gold with detailed gold and acrylic paintings. Expertly crafted by skilled Nepali artisans, this piece reflects traditional craftsmanship and makes a refined addition to compact altars, meditation spaces, or personal spiritual collections.
Naropa is traditionally depicted seated in lalitasana, or the posture of royal ease. His right leg is bent and rests on the seat, resembling a dignified or ministerial sitting posture—often described as how a noble or accomplished master might sit—symbolizing his authority and inner confidence. His left leg extends downward, with the foot gently resting on a lotus, representing purity and his transcendence over worldly defilements. In his left hand, he holds a skull cup (kapāla), a tantric symbol of transformation, used to signify the transmutation of ignorance into wisdom. The skull cup often holds sacred offerings and symbolizes the consumption of ego and dualistic perceptions. He wears a five-skull crown, representing the transformation of the five poisons —ignorance, attachment, aversion, pride, and jealousy—into the five wisdoms (pañca-jñāna), a key teaching in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Size: 7.8”/20cm (Height) x 5.5”/14cm (Base)
Weight: 1.71 kg
Material: 24K Gold Gilded, Gold & Acrylic Paintings, Copper Body
Naropa was an Indian Buddhist yogi and scholar who was considered one of the key figures in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. His most famous disciple was Tilopa. Naropa enrolled in the renowned Buddhist University in Nalanda when he was 28 and began studying Tantra and Sutra. He had a reputation as a brilliant student and flawless debater, which was crucial at the time because the debate custom dictated that the loser became the winner's student by default. He finally earned the title "Guardian of the Northern Gate" after participating in numerous arguments, teaching, and winning over multiple pupils.
