Sacred Sulptures at the Royal Palace of Patan (Nepal)

4:47 p.m.

14/11/23 - Like most of the palaces that belonged to royalty in times past, Patan also became a museum, inviting the public to see the collections accumulated over the years by the members of the different dynasties. Currently, this building located in Darbar Square is a UNESCO heritage site.

Today we will focus on the sculptures of gods and Buddhas from the 18th century, considered sacred to this culture and which are part of the institution's heritage. The pieces are distributed on two floors of a reconstructed building of what once were the halls of the royal palace and fully protected in display cases, just as objects in the cabinets of curiosities.

Each sculpture consists of infinite details related to the religious image they represent but much more ornate than those from India or China. Bear in mind that in Nepal both religions (Hindu and Buddhist) coexist and have done so peacefully for more than two thousand years ago. Therefore, despite external influence, we can notice some changes, such as excessive ornamental attire and exaggerated physical characteristics. To express different aspects of the personality of the represented god, the sculptures can have five faces, five extra eyes and up to ten hands. According to the belief, the greater the number of hands, more is the care for the faithful as for the consort of the god. The poses are varied and correspond to the different forms that can be adopted when meditating or giving thanks.

The material used is copper and it is worth highlighting the skill of those who executed these pieces to obtain such realism in parts as small as ears and hands. Likewise, many of the dresses of these sculptures are removable.