ABR 077
Code: ABR 077
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1400 - 1500
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 4
Materials: Meteorite Iron
Yamanadanda
Four-edged staff of meteorite iron with a skull as a crown, and half a vajra as a closure.
The Yamanadanda is an attribute of Yama, king and judge of the deceased and a Dharmapala (guardian deity), who holds the staff in his right hand. He is one of the Guardians of the directions and represents the south.
Yama belongs to an early stratum of Vedic mythology. In Vedic tradition Yama was considered to have been the first mortal who died and espied the way to the celestial abodes, and in virtue of precedence he became the ruler of the departed. Yama's name can be interpreted as "twin", and in some myths he is paired with a twin sister Yami. Although ultimately based on the god Yama of the Hindu Vedas, the Buddhist Yama has developed different myths and different functions from the Hindu deity.
The Yamanadanda can also be an attribute of other guardian deities, such as Palden Lhamo, Hayagriva, Mahavajrabhairava, Brahmanarupa (a form of Mahakala) or the Citipati (rulers of cemeteries). The staff is sometimes formed by a spine.
Four-edged staff of meteorite iron with a skull as a crown, and half a vajra as a closure.
The Yamanadanda is an attribute of Yama, king and judge of the deceased and a Dharmapala (guardian deity), who holds the staff in his right hand. He is one of the Guardians of the directions and represents the south.
Yama belongs to an early stratum of Vedic mythology. In Vedic tradition Yama was considered to have been the first mortal who died and espied the way to the celestial abodes, and in virtue of precedence he became the ruler of the departed. Yama's name can be interpreted as "twin", and in some myths he is paired with a twin sister Yami. Although ultimately based on the god Yama of the Hindu Vedas, the Buddhist Yama has developed different myths and different functions from the Hindu deity.
The Yamanadanda can also be an attribute of other guardian deities, such as Palden Lhamo, Hayagriva, Mahavajrabhairava, Brahmanarupa (a form of Mahakala) or the Citipati (rulers of cemeteries). The staff is sometimes formed by a spine.