Sita-Achala - the "White Immovable One"
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 3
Display 5

ABS 128

 Code: ABS 128

  Country: Tibet

  Style:

  Date: 1300 - 1400

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 3.9 x 6.6 x 2.5

  Materials: Fine-grained white stone

Sita 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, representing his compassion to 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 surroundings. 

Achala is shown kneeling on his left on a single lotus pedestal with the sole of the foot facing the sky. He is dressed with a cloth tied around the waist. Achala brandishes a sword (khadga) with his right hand, to show that he is "cutting through ignorance". With the left hand, displaying the threatening gesture, he holds a noose (pasha) at heart-level for catching and binding (inner) demons.
Achala wears princely ornaments: a pair of circular earrings, a necklace, ornaments on both upper arms, as well as bracelets and anklets. 
His hair is usually knotted seven times and draped on his left side, the hairstyle of a servant in Buddhist iconography.