Mahakala Panjarnatha – "Protector of the pavilion"
See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Display 3
ABS 048
Code: ABS 048
Country: Tibet (central)
Style:
Date: 1400 - 1500
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 13.7 x 22 x 8.1
Materials: Brass; inlaid with silver and copper
Mahakala, the great black one, guardian of the faith
Mahakala is one of the eight great protectors of the Buddha's teachings. He is usually depicted in the centre of a charnel ground, cowering over the bodies of defeated enemies of the Buddhist teachings. He is depicted under 72 different aspects. This male deity with black skin holds a flaying knife and a skull cup filled with blood. Mahakala has three eyes (symbolizing the knowledge of past, present and future), and wears a crown with five skulls. These represent the five poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance, envy and pride) which are transformed into five qualities of wisdom. He wears a garland with freshly cut heads, ornaments made of bones and snakes, which stand for the victory over hatred.
Mahakala is one of the eight great protectors of the Buddha's teachings. He is usually depicted in the centre of a charnel ground, cowering over the bodies of defeated enemies of the Buddhist teachings. He is depicted under 72 different aspects. This male deity with black skin holds a flaying knife and a skull cup filled with blood. Mahakala has three eyes (symbolizing the knowledge of past, present and future), and wears a crown with five skulls. These represent the five poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance, envy and pride) which are transformed into five qualities of wisdom. He wears a garland with freshly cut heads, ornaments made of bones and snakes, which stand for the victory over hatred.