Dharmapala Thangka CentreTibetan Antiques

This large Tsa Tsa shows the Bodhisattva Vajrapani [Tib: »Chagna Dorje«, ཕྱག་ན་རྡོ་རྗེ།].

With an age of 500 - 600 years it belongs to the early Tibetan Tsa Tsas. The Tsa Tsa is extraordninary precisely worked, and thus differs from the vast majority of other ancient tsa tsas. The great age has left its mark. Vajrapani itself is still relatively well preserved for the most part. However, the aureole surrounding him, his right leg and his left arm are partially damaged. The vajra / dorje in the right raised hand is unfortunately just as his catch noose in the left hand only suggestive to recognize.

Because of his wrathful appearance, Vajrapani is often mistakenly assigned to the Dharmapalas [protectors of Buddhist teachings]. In fact, however, he belongs to the group of Bodhisattvas.

Many people thought that [due to his terriffic image] Vajrapani belongs to the groups of Dharmapalas [protectors of the buddhist doctrine]. Actual Vajrapani belongs to the category of Bodhisattvas.Vajrapani is a famous celestial Bodhisattva, he represents the concentrated power of all Buddhas. He is a complex deity with various forms. He is most frequently encountered in his fierce emanation, in which he is a powerful protector and remover of obstacles.

It is also said that Vajrapani will become the last Buddha to appear in this world cycle. Vajrapani is often grouped with the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri. The three celestial Bodhisattvas are thought of as archangelic protectors, representing the power [Vajrapanani], compassion [Avalokiteshvara] and wisdom [Manjushri].

He fights a spiritual battle against the forces of ignorance, craving and samsara. He is a blue Tantric figure that is surrounded mostly by a flamed halo, and wears a garland of skulls and a wreath of snakes