Facial expression - Mahakala

Protector of Dharma

Six Armed Mahakala


The six armed Mahakala is related to the story of Avalokeshwara, the Buddha of Compassion, in which Avalokeshwar broke into thousands of pieces looking at the miseries and sorrows of humans on Earth. Amitabha Buddha one of the 5 Dhyani Buddhas decided to bring back in one form . All he could do was bring her back in form with numerous heads and a thousand arms. In this form the Buddha of compassion took this irritated form of Mahakala to help humans overcome misery and suffering. Black or blue in colour, the Mahakala has six arms and two legs. Its Sanskrit name is Sadbhuja Mahakala, while its Tibetian name is Chadroukpa. In his right hand he holds a necklace of skulls, a curved knife, and a dhamaru. In his left hand is a trident, a kapala, and a cord.

Symbolism

  • The five skulls present in his Crown represents the five poisons ( Desire , Hatred, Ignorance, Jelousy and Ego ) transforming into Wisdom.
  • The three Eyes represents the knowledge of the Time ( past, present and the future).
  • The curved knife in his first right hand is used to cut down Ignorance.
  • The skull in his left hand symbolizes the victory over the Demons.
  • The Elephant skin cloak demonstrates victory over Ego.
  • The serpents around his neck represent victory over hatred.
  • The black colour of his body represents the unchangeable nature of Dharma and the ultimate nature of the Spirit.
  • The six arms represent the possession of the Six Perfections.( Giving, Ethic, Patience, Dilligence, Concentation and Wisdom)

Attributes

  • The necklace of skulls symbolizes that He will realize without any interruption for the good of mankind.
  • The Dhamaru in his third right hand is used to keep the Dakinis in order.
  • The Trident in his other left hand symbolizes that he is going to exercise his activities in the three hemispheres (desire ,form and non-form)
  • The Cord in his third left hand symbolizes that He is going to tie down those who wander from the path of Dharma.
  • The two legs symbolize that he will accomplish not only his own good but also that of others.
  • The white elephant he is standing on symbolizes the elimination of obstacles while the tiger skin he wears around his waist represents the victory over Desire.

Comments 1

  1. Bonjour Satcheen,
    Je connais bien votre père et lui ai déjà acheté 4 thangkas. Il m’a informé que vous organisais bientôt une exposition sur Paris ou Margency. Si c’est bien le cas, serait il possible de vous contacter directement par mail ? Merci et à bientôt,
    Pierre

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