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Mahakala

Maker Unidentified artist

Datelate 18th or 19th century

MediumThangka: opaque watercolors and gold on cloth

Dimensions23 1/2 x 16 inches (59.7 x 40.6 cm)

CultureTibet

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum Purchase Fund

Terms

Paintings
Tibetan
Gouache
Cloth

Object number62.3345

Label CopyThis painting is an example of a mystical black tangka. Black symbolizes the ultimate reality, voidness, which is the permanent awareness or Truth Body (dharmakaya) of enlightened beings. Mahakala has numerous manifestations: here the Great Black One is shown with six arms, the two front hands holding a vajra chopper and skull bowl, the middle hands holding a drum in the right, a lasso in the left, and the upper hands holding the feet of a flayed elephant skin. Such ferocious deities are moved by compassion to employ their gruesome powers for the protection of Buddhist practitioners and to eradicate obstructions to enlightenment. Surrounding Mahakala are numerous deities and beings. At the top left Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha, is seated in meditation; in the center Tsong Khapa, founder of the Geluk order, wears his distinctive yellow hat; at top right is another manifestation of Mahakala, as Protector of Science. Along the right side of the painting Penden Lhamo rides a wild ass, Dugon Trakshad rides a black horse, and the wealth god Kubera is shown seated with his jewel-spitting mongoose at his knee. Below Mahakala is Kshetrapala on a bear and the red-skinned Hayagriva, a fierce form of Avalokitesvara. Along the left side are the ogres Takkiraja, holding a skull drum, and the brown-skinned Jinamitra.

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