Description
The shape of Meru is like combined contours of circle, essence, and hitch as when connecting an ox to a cart. Meru is made of five alloys, which symbolizes strength, power and compassion. Five metals used as an alloy of Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) as the major constituents.
Metal Used: Gold: 125 grams; Silver: 155 grams; Copper: 225 grams; Zinc: 155 grams; Iron: 125 grams
Meru is incorporated into the mandala, a geometric plan representing the universe or cosmos, with mount meru as the Axis Mundi, at its centre, or as the purest land, a visual representation of paradise. Meru is an emblematic representation of geographical area Chinese Xinjiang. The Eastern or Asian Mt. Meru, is an hourglass-shaped World Mountain, emerging from a Cosmic Ocean, flanked by sun and moon, topped by a golden city radiating sun-rays from it. In the mythology of Tibetan Buddhism, Mount Meru is a place which simultaneously represents the center of the universe and the single-pointedness of mind sought by adepts. Thousands of miles in height, Meru is located somewhere beyond the physical plane of reality, in a realm of perfection and transcendence. Symbolic representations of Mount Meru are commonly found in Tibetan mandalas, contemplative diagrams designed to aid meditators in focusing. It is said that Meru has its roots in hell, and its summit in heaven. Meru is surrounded by seven rings of golden mountains, each separated from the other by one of seven circular oceans. It is crowned by a golden palace wherein Indra resides. This entire superstructure rises from an outer ocean, and is flanked by four main continents, each with two subcontinents.
Meru may be represented in painting form or as a clay or bronze or bonsai model, or as a stone pyramidal construction. As a sacred mountain motif, it is seen in Asian mandala art displaying Hindu, Jain as well as Buddhist cosmological beliefs where Mt. Meru is featured as the center of all the physical, metaphysical and/or spiritual universes. Mandalas may be objects of meditation or veneration, religious teaching devices, ritual objects in mystery religions, or a representation of a cosmological landscape regarded as magical or living entities by esoteric practitioners. It brings balance in life, self-confidence, good health, fortune, prosperity, and peace of mind.