Himalayan Art Resources

Ritual Object: Kila 'Purba' (Bon Religion)

Kila 'Purbu' Types | Bon Religion Main Page

The Bon Purba can represent the wrathful meditational deity Purba Drugse Chempa. The Purba can sometimes be a ritual object used in various ceremonies independent of the meditational deity. Several types of Bon Purbas are identified with some plain and others more complex.

The main characteristics are the the intertwined knots on the handle, multiple heads, possibly a bird with spread wings and yungdrung (svastika) symbols. The Buddhist version of the Purba will typically have the handle decorated with elements of the vajra scepter which are always lacking on the Bon Purba. For both religions, Purbas made of meteorite are particularly prized.

Jeff Watt 1-2016