Chanda Vajrapani – The “Wrathful Vajra Bearer”
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Display 4

ABS 026

 Code: ABS 026

  Country: Tibet (central)

  Style:

  Date: 1400 - 1500

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 13.7 x 19 x 6.9

  Materials: Brass

Chanda Vajrapani – The “Wrathful Vajra Bearer”

This terrifying embodiment of the bodhisattva Vajrapani - manifestation of awakened power - stands in a belligerent posture on a lotus pedestal. His build is corpulent, he wields a vajra with his right hand and performs the threatening gesture with his left. His eyes are wide open and the hair stands on end, his face expresses wrath. He wears the attributes of the charnel grounds: the loincloth of tiger skin and the ornaments of bone and poisonous snakes. Great care has been taken with the details, as can be observed in the movement of the swirling ribbon, the chiselled decorations on the loincloth, and the inlays of turquoise.

Bodhisattvas are the “heroes for enlightenment.” 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.