Jambhala
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 3
Display 6

ABS 317

 Code: ABS 317

  Country: Tibet

  Style:

  Date: 1400 - 1600

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 8.5 x 12 x 4.7

  Materials: Wood

Jambhala

Jambhala, the deity of wealth, is seated in the posture of ease, lavishly adorned with jewellery. He is clad in a loincloth tied below his belly. His right hand is holding a precious jewel in front of his heart, and his left, resting on his knee, is holding the jewel-spitting mongoose (nakula), the characteristic attribute of the deities of wealth.

Although Buddhism advocates abandoning mundane possessions and preoccupations, wealth can sometimes be considered favourably. For the faithful, it can be a source of merit if the practice generosity. The puja or ritual dedicated to Jambhala is believed to summon positive wealth energies resulting from one’s past actions. The ritual does not create wealth by itself but is supposed to ‘accelerate’ the maturation of karmic potential.