Bidhata KC tells you the secret of Buddhist prayer wheels in her latest installation art exhibit

While you enter the Contemporary Art Gallery of Taragaon Museum, Boudha , you witness a huge object made of steel. It has similarities with small-sized prayer wheels (maane) found around Buddhist shrines and indeed it is an interactive installation. The audience can spin 21 empty steel cans in a circular motion.

The prayer wheel, a religious motif seen around Buddhist shrines decorated heavily with Tibetan prayer mantras and Astamangal symbols in vibrant colours, is believed to heal the one who is spinning it. These wheels are also seen in high altitudes in Nepal. Due to their religious belief, whoever is travelling to high altitude gets a sense of protection, healing and relief once they see them.