Shadaksari Lokeshvara

Shadakshari Lokeshvara is the four-armed representation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Omnipresent in Tibet, he is associated with the well-known six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum". With a youthful and peaceful appearance, he sits in the meditation posture. His two main hands are joined in the gesture of respectful salutation. With his two other hands he holds a rosary and a lotus blossom, part of which has been broken off. Because he is an emanation of Buddha Amithaba, the latter is seen perched in his topknot. In keeping with the royal appearance of divine manifestations, he is clad in silk and adorned with jewels. His lips are inlaid with red copper, as are the jewels, which are additionally set with coral and turquoise.

Bodhisattvas are the "heroes for the awakening". These advanced practitioners are motivated by compassion, and strive to help all sentient beings to attain liberation on their path to perfect Buddhahood. Their royal adornments symbolise the quality of their spiritual realisation.