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.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |