Norbulingka Institute - Sidhpur
Norbulingka Institute hosts a unique provision for artisans and students who can create colossal glided copper statues. They conduct training programs and workshops to upgrade their skills with the necessary support. The 14 feet statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Deden Tsuglakhang of Norbulingka Institute was thus built by a group of masters and students from the center, taking almost one year for its completion.
Firstly, in the sculpture-making process, the rough statue beaten from sheets of copper is first gilded with a mixture of gold and mercury. Then it is subjected to heat where the mercury evaporates, leaving the gold behind. This bland finish is then graced with hand polishing and gold paintings in specific areas. Then the inner surfaces of the statues are coated with an extract of plants, followed by prayer and offering ceremony. Auspicious plants, printed mantras, and offerings are stowed inside the statue as it is assembled, arranged in a manner for easy disassembly as well. The Buddhist religion believes that when a sculpture of religious importance ages, its blessing power intensifies as it gets cumulated with the energy of the devotees reached through prayers. Hence Tibetan culture celebrates metal art with the utmost importance. The price range of these statues starts from rupees 10,000 to 63,000.
