Dharmapala Thangka CentreSchool of Thangka Painting


11.15 Guru drag-mar / Vajrakila

Manifestation of Padmasambhava

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In this Thangka, Padmasambhava appears in his Vajrakila manifestation; the wrathful red guru and the magic dagger are one.

Vajrakila or Guru Drag-dmar is a Tantric manifestation of Padmasambhava. The main characteristic of this divinity is a lower body in the form of a magic dagger [Tib. Phur le].

The cult of the magic dagger with the Vajra handle [Tib. Dorje Phurbu] and the associated rites for overcoming demons were originally introduced into Tibet by Padmasambhava.

The wrathful red Guru Drag-dmar appears in a halo of blazing flames, his ocher-yellow halo of hair is topped by a crown of five heads and Ratna symbols. The skin of an elephant is slung over his back, his body is adorned with bone bead chains [Tib. Rus rgyan] and a garland of snakes. A garland of human heads hangs around his neck [Tib. Mi-mgo phreng ba].

As attributes, Guru Drag-dmar holds a golden vajra in his right hand and a scorpion in his left. The scorpion is a Tantric representation of Vajrapani, who was initiated into the secret teachings in a cemetery by Padmasambhava.

The lower part of the body of Guru Drag-dmar consists of a three-sided dagger [kila] which is held by the mouth of a Makara, lord of the water element. The Makara has dominion over the Nagas, or snake-demons who inhabit rivers and lakes.


PropertyValue
Measurements: 17.7 x 22.8" | 45 x 58 cm
Price: on request
Shipment: Parcel Service from Germany or Nepal
Color: Black Background
Material: Natural Stone Colors