{"product_id":"citipati-mandala-resin-kapala","title":"Citipati Mandala Resin Kapala | Tibetan Buddhist Dharmodaya Mandala Skull Cup for Altar \u0026 Meditation Practice","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eImpermanence over the Dharmodaya Mandala\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe Citipati Mandala Resin Kapala brings together two striking elements of Himalayan Buddhist art. Dancing Citipati figures rise above a carved dharmodaya symbol, rendered here in mandala form. Together, they form what can be called the Citipati Dharmodaya Mandala Resin Kapala, a single piece with layered meaning. Shaped from durable resin, the piece carries a weight and presence that feels grounded in the hand. Silver-plated copper accents trace its structure, adding a quiet shimmer to the overall design. A hand-painted finish brings warmth and subtle variation across every surface. Intricately detailed metal skulls encircle the base, reinforcing the piece's skeletal theme. Each element has been placed with intention, giving the Kapala a sense of depth rather than simple ornamentation. Viewed as a whole, it feels less like a single object and more like a small composition, one built from movement, symbol, and craftsmanship in equal measure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eCrafted from durable resin, this Kapala features silver-plated copper accents around its structure. Its hand-painted finish brings depth and character to every surface. Intricately detailed metal skulls frame the piece, adding a distinctive visual rhythm. This is a Kapala meant to be examined closely, not just displayed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe Symbolism of Citipati and the Dharmodaya Design\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eIn Tibetan Buddhist and Himalayan Buddhist art, the Citipati appear as a pair of skeletal figures. They are traditionally shown dancing, often in charnel ground settings. Within this artistic tradition, the Citipati Couple represents themes of impermanence and mortality. Their skeletal form draws attention to the transient nature of the physical body.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe dharmodaya is a separate and well documented symbol in Tantric Buddhist art. It typically appears as a geometric emblem, often shaped as a hexagram. The term is generally understood to mean source of phenomena or source of reality. It appears throughout Himalayan Buddhist visual traditions in varied forms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eOn this piece, the dharmodaya is carved in mandala form beneath the dancing figures. This carved design gives the Citipati Mandala Resin Kapala its layered composition. The mandala shape draws the eye inward, framing the dharmodaya at its center. Above it, the Citipati appear caught mid movement, animated and expressive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eSeen together, the dancing Citipati and the mandala style dharmodaya carving invite quiet reflection. The imagery encourages a moment of awareness about life's temporary nature. This is not a claim about doctrine, but an observation about the artwork itself. The composition simply offers a visual space for contemplation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eKapala Design and Craftsmanship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe Citipati Dharmodaya Mandala Resin \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/himalayanmart.com\/blogs\/ritual-implements\/the-kapala-skull-cup\" title=\"The Kapala: Skull Cup of Transformation in Vajrayana Buddhism\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/himalayanmartonline.com\/product-category\/ritual-item\/kapala\/\" title=\"Kapala Collection\"\u003eKapala\u003c\/a\u003e shows careful attention to detail throughout. Its durable resin base holds a form sturdy enough for lasting display. Silver-plated copper accents trace the piece, catching light along their edges. The hand-painted finish adds subtle variation across the surface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eIntricately detailed metal skulls encircle the Kapala, reinforcing its skeletal theme. These skulls are placed with precision, framing the central design without overwhelming it. Above them, the dancing Citipati figures anchor the composition visually. Below, the carved dharmodaya mandala grounds the piece with geometric structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eEach element works together to create an ornate, distinctive appearance. The resin construction allows for fine detail in the carved sections. Meanwhile, the metal skulls and copper accents add contrasting texture. This combination reflects the contemplative aesthetic found across Tibetan Buddhist art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe Citipati and dharmodaya imagery are not simply decorative here. They connect directly to themes of impermanence found throughout Himalayan Buddhist visual traditions. Every detail on this Kapala serves that broader artistic conversation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe Kapala and Its Place in Tibetan Buddhist Religious Art\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/himalayanmart.com\/blogs\/ritual-implements\/the-kapala-skull-cup\" title=\"The Kapala: Skull Cup of Transformation in Vajrayana Buddhism\"\u003eKapala\u003c\/a\u003e holds a recognized place within Vajrayana Buddhist religious art. Traditionally, it appears as a ritual vessel within certain Vajrayana contexts. Its form is often associated with themes of transformation and impermanence. Skeletal and skull imagery frequently accompanies Kapala designs across Himalayan Buddhist traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThese themes connect naturally with the dancing Citipati imagery found on this piece. Skeletal figures, in general, can serve as visual reminders of mortality. They point toward the transient nature of physical existence, a common theme in Buddhist art. This Kapala reflects that visual language through its design choices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eIt is worth noting that this is a modern, decorative piece. It is not presented as an antique, a consecrated object, or a historically authentic ritual item. Rather, it draws on established visual themes within Tibetan Buddhist art. Its meaning rests in what it represents artistically and contemplatively.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eNepalese Artisan Craftsmanship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThis Citipati Dharmodaya Mandala Resin Kapala is handmade by an artisan from Patan, Nepal. Patan has long been associated with detailed Nepalese craftsmanship in Buddhist sculpture. That artistic character comes through clearly in this piece's hand-painted finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe detailed metalwork surrounding the Kapala also reflects careful, attentive handwork. Each skull is shaped with a level of care visible up close. This piece carries the individual character often found in handmade Nepalese Buddhist art. No two hand-painted pieces are ever entirely identical.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eA Piece for the Altar, Shrine, or Meditation Space\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe Citipati Mandala Resin Kapala suits a variety of contemplative settings. It can find a place on a Tibetan Buddhist altar or shrine space. It also complements meditation areas, prayer rooms, or monastery-inspired interiors. For collectors, it fits naturally within a broader Buddhist art collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eWherever it is placed, the piece brings a distinctive visual presence. The dancing Citipati imagery offers a quiet, ongoing reminder of life's impermanence. Paired with the carved dharmodaya mandala, it becomes a focal point for reflection. This makes it well suited to any personal sacred space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eIts hand-painted craftsmanship and durable resin construction hold up to regular display. The silver-plated copper accents and metal skull detailing add lasting visual interest. Together, these elements give the piece a steady presence within a thoughtfully arranged room. Displaying it does not guarantee any particular outcome. It simply offers a visually rich object for contemplation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eDetails of the Citipati Mandala Resin Kapala:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"color: #172b4d; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; background: white;\"\u003eHeight: 6.75 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"color: #172b4d; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; background: white;\"\u003eWidth: 5 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"color: #172b4d; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; background: white;\"\u003eDepth: 2.25 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"color: #172b4d; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; background: white;\"\u003eWeight: 306 grams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"color: #172b4d; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; background: white;\"\u003eMaterial: Durable resin with silver-plated copper accents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"color: #172b4d; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; background: white;\"\u003eCraftsmanship: Hand-painted Kapala with intricately detailed metal skulls\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"color: #172b4d; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; background: white;\"\u003eOrigin: Handmade by an artisan from Patan, Nepal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eMortality Held in Carved Form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eThe Citipati Mandala Resin Kapala brings together several distinct artistic elements. The dancing Citipati figures sit above a carved dharmodaya mandala design. Intricately detailed metal skulls frame the piece with quiet precision. Silver-plated copper accents and a hand-painted finish complete its overall character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003eHandmade by an artisan from Patan, Nepal, this Kapala reflects genuine Nepalese craftsmanship. Its imagery speaks to themes of impermanence, mortality, and contemplation. These themes run throughout Tibetan Buddhist and Himalayan Buddhist artistic traditions. For anyone drawn to that visual language, this piece offers a thoughtful addition. It stands as a piece meant for quiet reflection, one carved detail at a time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #172b4d; background: white;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HIMALALAYAN MART","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49718258106595,"sku":"H761768142509","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/4454\/1411\/files\/citipati-dharmodaya-mandala-resin-kapala.jpg?v=1789107393","url":"https:\/\/himalayanmart.com\/products\/citipati-mandala-resin-kapala","provider":"HIMALALAYAN MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}