Sitatapatra, known as the "White Parasol Buddha," is a powerful female protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism who emerged from the ushnisha (crown protuberance) of Shakyamuni Buddha. Her name means "white parasol," symbolizing her ability to shield all beings from harm, negative forces, and obstacles . She possesses immense power to protect against supernatural attacks, black magic, evil spirits, and all forms of danger . Her practice is particularly revered for its ability to "return" negative energies to their source and "cover" practitioners with divine protection . She is closely associated with the famous Shurangama Mantra recited in Buddhist monasteries worldwide .
· Height: 33 cm (including mandorla)
· Material: Pure copper with full gold-gilding (24k gold-plated) and genuine gemstone inlay
· Style: Sitatapatra (White Parasol Buddha) with elaborate mandorla
· Origin: Masterwork hand-carved in Nepal
· Ideal for: Tibetan Buddhist hall, protection shrine, meditation room, Dharma center, spiritual art collection, those seeking powerful protection
This magnificent 33cm Sitatapatra statue represents the pinnacle of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a pure copper hand-carved masterwork featuring complete 24k gold-gilding, genuine gemstone inlay throughout, and an elaborate mandorla that frames the powerful protector deity in radiant splendor.
Sitatapatra, the "White Parasol Buddha," appears here in her classic form as the supreme protector who shields all beings from harm. She emerged from the crown protuberance (ushnisha) of Shakyamuni Buddha when he entered a special meditation, manifesting specifically to protect beings from all forms of negativity, black magic, evil spirits, and supernatural attacks . Her name combines "sita" (white, pure) and "tapatra" (parasol/umbrella), representing the pure, protective canopy of enlightened compassion that covers all beings without exception .
Seated in peaceful posture upon a double-lotus throne, her expression is serene yet powerful—embodying the protective mother who guards her children with unwavering vigilance. Her right hand extends in varada mudra (gesture of granting blessings) holding a small Dharma wheel, representing the gift of protection and the turning of enlightened activity. Her left hand gracefully holds the stem of her signature attribute—the white parasol—which unfurls protectively above, symbolizing her power to cover all beings with divine protection .
Every element of this masterwork reflects profound iconographic significance. Her five-jewel crown adorns her head with precious gemstones, representing the five wisdoms. Her three eyes gaze upon all realms with compassionate awareness, perceiving danger wherever it may arise. Long earrings graze her shoulders, symbolizing her balanced awareness of all dimensions. She wears the full regalia of a wisdom deity—elaborate jewelry, armlets, bracelets, anklets, and celestial silks—all rendered with exceptional precision by the master artisan.
The elaborate mandorla (aureole/backplate) behind the deity is itself a masterpiece of Himalayan artistry. Intricately carved with flame patterns, scrolling vegetation, and protective symbols, the mandorla represents the radiant light of enlightened protection that emanates from the White Parasol Buddha. The flames symbolize her power to burn away all negative forces, while the parasol-shaped dome of the mandorla echoes her signature attribute.
Expertly hand-carved from pure copper by master artisans of Nepal, this 33cm sculpture captures every intricate detail: the peaceful yet powerful expression, the graceful positioning of the white parasol, the delicate folds of her celestial garments, and the elaborate throne and mandorla that frame the central figure with sacred splendor.
The full gold-gilding (24k gold-plated) finish adds radiant luminosity to the entire sculpture, honoring the precious nature of enlightened protection. Multiple layers of pure gold are carefully applied, creating a warm, glowing surface that catches light and draws the eye to Sitatapatra's benevolent yet powerful presence. Unlike partial gilding, this complete gold finish ensures the deity shines with maximum splendor.
Genuine gemstones are hand-set throughout—in the crown, earrings, necklace, bracelets, armlets, anklets, and even accenting the mandorla and lotus throne—adding extraordinary splendor to this sacred representation. Each stone is carefully selected and individually placed, catching light from every angle and adding to the statue's radiant, protective presence.
Sitatapatra holds a uniquely important position in Tibetan Buddhism as the most powerful deity for protection against supernatural harm . Her practice is renowned for its ability to:
· Return (repel) negative energies: The "repelling mother" who sends all curses, black magic, and negative forces back to their source without harming the practitioner
· Cover (protect) beings: The "white parasol" that shields all who call upon her from danger, like a divine umbrella covering the entire universe
· Destroy obstacles: Eliminate all forms of harm—from evil spirits and demonic forces to natural disasters and human enemies
According to traditional sources, those who properly practice Sitatapatra's dharma cannot be harmed by poison, weapons, fire, water, black magic, evil spirits, or untimely death . Her mantra, closely related to the famous Shurangama Mantra recited daily in Buddhist monasteries throughout East Asia, has been venerated for over a thousand years .
Historically, great emperors recognized her power—Kublai Khan placed a Sitatapatra statue beside his imperial throne to protect the Yuan Dynasty, and the Qianlong Emperor's underground tomb in Beijing is covered entirely with Sitatapatra mantras carved in Sanskrit and Tibetan .
This 33cm Sitatapatra masterwork serves as the ultimate focal point for protection shrines, meditation rooms, and Dharma centers. Her presence on the altar creates a sacred atmosphere that repels negative forces and establishes a field of divine protection around all who enter the space.
Each piece is individually hand-carved and finished as a unique masterwork by master artisans of Nepal, with subtle variations that reflect its authentic handmade origin and artistic heritage from the Kathmandu Valley. The combination of pure copper construction, complete 24k gold-gilding, genuine gemstone inlay throughout, master-level carving, and the elaborate protective mandorla represents the finest in Himalayan sacred art—a transmission of living artistic tradition and the radiant, sheltering presence of the White Parasol Buddha who protects all beings without exception.