Nila Achala – The "Blue Immovable One"
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Orientation 2
Display 1

ABS 036

 Code: ABS 036

  Country: Tibet (central)

  Style: Late Pala Style

  Date: 1200 - 1300

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 14.1 x 23.5 x 5.5

  Materials: Brass

Nila-Achala 

Achala is the destroyer of delusions and one of the protectors of Buddha’s teachings. Because of his role as a protector, Achala shows the fierce expression and attributes of a wrathful deity. He is frequently depicted with two protruding fangs. Sometimes one tooth points down, symbolizing his compassion for the world, and the other points up, representing his passion for truth. Achala is often depicted with the Third Eye. He can be white (sita) or blue (nila).
Achala means "The Immovable One" in Sanskrit which refers to his ability to resist temptations. Frequently he stands on a rock or mountain to illustrate his affinity to these firm surroundings. 
 
Achala is trampling on the defeated Ganesha who lies on a double lotus pedestal. He is stepping out to the right in the warrior stance (pratyalidhasana) and brandishes the sword (khadga) in the right uplifted hand. With the left, he displays the threatening gesture (tarjani-mudra) and holds the end of a large noose (pasha). Achalawears a tiger skin (vyaghracarma) and is adorned with a crown in front of the prominent knot of hair featuring an effigy of Akshobya. He wears a pair of circular earrings and a necklace with an attached pendant. Snakes form his bracelets, the “investiture with the sacred thread” (nagopavita) and the anklets. A ribbon-like scarf swirls around the shoulders and to his sides. The hair shows traces of a red pigment, which is an indication that this image has been worshipped in Tibet.