Dharmapala Thangka CentreSchool of Thangka Painting


5.26 Mahakala [4]

Full  View Detail 1 Naropa Chakrasamva Tilopa Palden Lhamo Tsehu Marpo Rahula Shing Muka Bardo Deity with raven head: 'Lagon jya rog dong chan'

This beautiful black Thangka has a splendid array of subsidiary figures around the main four armed Mahakala.

In his upper right hand he holds a sword, the lower right a human heart. His upper left hand holds a Kathvanga [Tantric ceptre], while we see in his lower right hand a skullbowl filled with demon blood.

Mahâkâla [tib.: Nag po chen po] belongs to the Dharmapalas, the protectors of the Buddhism. There are 75 different kind of manifestations. This Thangka shows him as the wrathful black protector with six arms.

Mahakala is one of the Eight Guardians of the Law, whose duty is to protect Buddhism against its enemies. In this six-armed manifestation, he tramples on the obstacle-creating, prostrate Ganesha.

He is the wrathful deity that destroys mind chatter and brings our minds back into attentive focus.

Mahâkâla [Tib.: Nag po chen po] belongs to the Dharmapalas, the protectors of the Buddhism. There are 75 different kind of manifestations, but he recognized universally as one of the great protectors of the Dharma. This Thangka shows him as the wrathful black protector with six ams.

Mahakala is one of the Eight Guardians of the Law, whose duty is to protect Buddhism against its enemies. In this six-armed manifestation, he tramples on the obstacle-creating, prostrate Ganesha.

This kind of Thangka is called »Nak Thang«. The range of the black Thangka genre is masterfully exemplified by this painting. Paintings on a black ground, often depict wrathful deities, and are kept in the goengkhang, the special room in the temple reserved for guardian deities.


Structure of the painting

PropertyValue
Measurements: 21.7 x 28.7" | 55 x 73 cm
Price: on request
Shipment: Parcel Service from Germany or Nepal
Color: Black Background
Material: Natural Stone Colors