Nila Achala – The “Blue Immovable One”
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Chapel
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 – The “Blue Immovable One”

Standing in the heroic posture on a double lotus pedestal, the deity tramples on Hindu god Ganesha, brandishing a sword with his right hand and performing the threatening gesture with his left, holding a noose. Of blue complexion, he has wide opened eyes in a furious glower, biting his lower lip with his teeth in a wrathful manner. He is adorned with poisonous snakes and a small effigy of Buddha Akshobhya sits in his hair.

Achala is a wrathful meditation deity, destroyer of delusions and protector of the Buddha’s teachings. His name literally means “The Immovable One” in Sanskrit, referring to the stability of wisdom and the immutability of Buddhahood. He is frequently represented on a rock or a mountain. His most usual manifestations can be white, blue or red.

Achala is particularly important in Japanese Tantric Buddhism. In Tibet, along with Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Tara, he belongs to a group of four deities especially worshipped in the Kadam school.