Mahakala Maning Nakpo – “The Hermaphrodite Great Black One” in his celestial abode
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Emporium
Orientation 1
Wall object 1
ABP 069
Code: ABP 069
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1500 - 1600
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 64.5 x 111
Materials: Pigment on cotton
Celestial residence of the protector Maning Nakpo
Maning Nakpo is a specific form of Mahakala, the “Great Black One”, encompassing both male and female characteristics and symbolizing “primordial, non-dual wisdom.” He is very popular among the Nyingma practitioners.
He stands at the centre of his palace in union with his consort upon a lotus throne and a sun disc, amidst a mass of blazing wisdom fire. He is surrounded by nine companions and stands within a skull fortress built of human heads in three stages of decay: fresh, rotting and dried. On the middle floor stands a brown wrathful deity, and above, the primordial Buddha Samantabhadra is pictured. Dwelling in the sky around them are six Nyingma lineage masters.
Fearsome ornaments adorn the building, like flayed animal skins and other offerings, while wild animals devour bodies. Two tantric practitioners and their companions are depicted. An altar full of ritual artefacts, musical instruments and wrathful offerings stands before the composition.
Maning Nakpo is a specific form of Mahakala, the “Great Black One”, encompassing both male and female characteristics and symbolizing “primordial, non-dual wisdom.” He is very popular among the Nyingma practitioners.
He stands at the centre of his palace in union with his consort upon a lotus throne and a sun disc, amidst a mass of blazing wisdom fire. He is surrounded by nine companions and stands within a skull fortress built of human heads in three stages of decay: fresh, rotting and dried. On the middle floor stands a brown wrathful deity, and above, the primordial Buddha Samantabhadra is pictured. Dwelling in the sky around them are six Nyingma lineage masters.
Fearsome ornaments adorn the building, like flayed animal skins and other offerings, while wild animals devour bodies. Two tantric practitioners and their companions are depicted. An altar full of ritual artefacts, musical instruments and wrathful offerings stands before the composition.