Hand-Painted Black Mahakala Thangka – Tibetan Protector of Wisdom, Nepal (17x24 inch)

BLACK MAHANKALA – THE PROTECTOR OF WISDOM

Black Mahakala is an aspect of Mahankala, one of the eight great Dharmasalas, or Dharma Defenders. Also known as the Protector of Wisdom, Mahankala is a wrathful deity who courageously protects the Buddhist teachings and those who study them from harm and evil forces. Despite Mahankala’s always terrifying appearance, he is a Bodhisattva, an embodiment of compassion who acts to benefit all sentient beings. His function is to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from attaining spiritual realizations and foster the necessary conditions for their practice. It is said that by simply wishing Mahankala protection, a sincere seeker’s needs will be met.

Mahankala is depicted in several variations, each with different qualities and accouterments. In most depictions, such as this one of his Black aspect, he wears a crown of five skulls. These skulls represent his transmutation of the five poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance, pride, and jealousy) into the five transcendent pearls of wisdom. He is seen standing on the corpse of the elephant-headed god Ganesh, demonstrating that he is the supreme destroyer of obstacles. His color, Black, further signifies his function of destroying evil and obstructions to the spiritual path. He is considered a fierce and wrathful aspect of Avalokiteshvara, Lord of Compassion.

He has six arms, symbolizing his attainment of the six perfections of a Bodhisattva. His two feet represent wisdom and method. In his upper right hand, he holds a rosary of human skulls, which he continuously counts, demonstrating his unceasing activity for the benefit of sentient beings. In his lower right hand, he holds a ritual drum, or damaru, which he uses to invoke all Buddhas to bless sentient beings, and whose sound is likened to the beautiful sound of the Dharma teachings. His upper left-hand holds a trident, symbolizing his abandonment of the imprints of delusions of the three realms. His lower left-hand holds a lasso, indicating his power to bind demons and evil forces. His two central hands hold a ritual curved knife, representing his ability to sever the root of delusion, and a skull bowl brimming with the blood of the four maras, symbolizing his realization of emptiness and his victory over the forces of death.

• Size/ Dimensions: 17 x 24- Inch (43 x 61 cm) - excludes outer borders
• Surface Material: Handmade Cotton Canvas
• Paint Medium: Gold and Natural Colors
• Origin: Hand Painted In Nepal
• Unframed
• Quality: High Quality/ Master Quality

Before making a purchase, please take note of the following important information:
- Each painting is hand-painted, making every piece unique.
- Differences in lighting and screen resolution may result in slight color variations.
- Paintings are even more captivating when viewed in person.
- The size specified for the painting does not include the outer border.
- All paintings will be securely packed in a PVC tube to ensure safe transit.
- Buyers are responsible for any additional fees at their destination, including import taxes and duties, which are not included in the purchase price.
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