Mahakala, Protector of the Tent. Tibet. 1400s. zoom for detail
Mahakala as Panjarantha. Tibet. 1500s.
Standing on a prostrate corpse, Panjaranatha or Great Vajra Black One, is a special protector of the Hevajra cycle of teachings in Tibetan Buddhism. Here, Panjaranatha is seen encircled by flames, in which appear jackals, crows, dogs, and other denizens of the cemeteries which he inhabits. The deep reds and dark blues of this painting, as well as the lack of any landscape comes out of the Beri stylistic tradition made famous in Central Tibet and known for a high degree of Nepalese influence.
Mahakala, Protector of the Tent. Tibet. 1500.
Mahakala is one of the most popular guardians in the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. Here he tramples a corpse while wielding a flaying knife and a blood-filled skull cup, signifying the destruction of impediments to enlightenment. In the crooks of his elbows he supports a gandi gong, a symbol of his vow to protect the community of monks (sangha). His principal companions, Palden Remati and Palden Lhamo, appear to his left, and Legden Nagpo and Bhutadamara are at his right. At lower left is Brahmarupa blowing a thighbone trumpet. He is especially revered by the Sakya order, which commissioned this work in central Tibet, likely painted under Newari direction.
Mahakala Panjarnata, Lord of the Pavilion. Ngor Monastery. 1700.
Mahakala Bhairava with Buddhas, Ganesha, Karttikeya, Achala, and Devotees. Nepal. 1500s.
Bhimaratha Jatra. Nepal. 1755.
Lotus emerging from a blue lake supporting the stupa with Ushnishvijaya at the center of the white dome beneath the eyes of the harmika and the golden umbrella wheels. The lake surrounded by a landscape of mountains and rivers, with shrines to Hindu deities guarded by Buddhist protectors, a multitude of cloud-borne Buddhist deities with the Five Transcendental Buddhas above, large Manjushri and Lokeshvara flanking the stupa, a donor beneath with a vajracharya performing the Bhimaratha ceremony, three episodes of the rite depicted, with Mahakala below surrounded by offerings and flanked by the donor family.
Mahakala Buddhist Protector. Tibet. 1400s.
(Unknown). Mahakala. Rubin Art Museum. 12th century.
(Unknown). Mahakala, Protector of the Tent. Central Tibet. (Unknown).
Black Cloak Mahakala Mandala. 14th Century
Source: magictransistor.com
magictransistor reblogged
The Lords of the Cemetary, said to represent one of seventy-five forms of Mahakala. According to Buddhist legend, the Citipati were originally a pair of ascetics who became so lost in profound meditation they failed to notice a thief cutting off heir heads.