FIRE OF GOLD! MAHAKALA LORD OF WEALTH THANGKA TIBET

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< On many occasions we get asked if our works are prints given their high quality and detail like no other offered. So, just for the record This thangka is a 100% original hand painted with real stone paint on canvas adorned with pure 24k gold! A sublime thangka of the version of mahakala of wealth and abundance. This piece has been adorned in soooo much gold have a look at the regal glow to this not to mention the minute detail that has gone into this creation. This is also a very large size and a rare deity to find. Placed against a striking black backdrop this is a classic protector thangka! THIS LOVELY THANGKA MEASURES A LARGE 23 X 16 INCHES I DO OFFER THE FACILITY TO HAVE THE THANGKA MOUNTED IN PURE SILK BROCADE AS WELL IN CASE YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISPLAY IT IN THE TRADITIONAL MANNER. I DO NOT CHARGE THE KIND OF PRICES OTHER SELLERS DO IF THEY ARE EVEN ABLE TO OFFER SUCH A SERVICE DO, AND DON'T USE POLYESTER ONLY THE PUREST HIGH GRADE VARANASI WOVEN SILK :) A SIMPLE EXERCISE-LOOK AT THE CLOSE-UPS OF ALL THE THANGKAS WHICH I OFFER AND THE AND COMPARE THE DETAIL, CLARITY, COLORS AND ICONOGRAPHY DEPICTED BY THE GLUT OF CHINESE THANGKAS ON SALE.Mahakala, "Lord of the Tent", is one of the mostrevered Tibetan protector deities. He is worshipped as a protectorof the entire realm as well as a personal tutelary deity. Well representedand revered in all orders of Tantric Tibetan Buddhism, Mahakala is especiallypopular with the Sakya order. In his most common form he is believed to be the fierce manifestationof the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara who plays a prominent role in Tibetan Buddhism, andwas the tutelary deity of the Mongolian ruler Kublai Khan. (Fischer. 52)Mahakala is a Dharmapala ,a protector of religious law. He is always depicted as an extremelyfierce and terrifying deity. His purpose is to help in overcomingnegative obstacles on the path to enlightenment. A compassionatewrathful deity, he appears evil, like a demon, but functions more likea guard dog, or guardian angel. (Sergent) His aggression is necessary,for it allows him to demolish obstacles and negativities one faces on thepath to enlightenment. Mahakala is depicted in a variety of differentways, sometimes with six arms, other times with two. He is oftenbrown skinned and associated in tankas with PendenLhamo .Mahakala's role as "Lord of the Tent" explainshis popularity in Tibetan religion. Tibetans are historically a nomadicpeople and tents have always been an important form of protection and shelter,providing the basis for their way of life. Tents being essentialfor survival resulted in Mahakala, the "Lord of the Tent", becoming oneof the most important protector deities.(Picture. O'Rorke) TheFigure This copper figure of Mahakala displays his typicalfierce expression with a third eye above his eyebrows, signifying thathe is a protector deity. His flaming hair, decorated with a crown of skulls,rises from his forehead, while a circle of flames dance around him. Inhis right hand he holds a chopper, which symbolizes the cutting throughof negative patterns such as aggression, hatred, and ignorance; all ofwhich are hindrances on the path to enlightenment. (Rinpoche) Inhis left hand he holds a skull cup, a ritual element typically filled withblood or human brain matter. It is an important element in traditionaltantric ceremonies, for human bones and skulls are often used to frightenevil spirits. The Tibetan custom of offering dead bodies to be eatenby vultures has allowed human bones to be readily available. Also,using human bones in ceremonies enhances the tantric buddhist belief inthe transient nature of human life. (Fischer. 92) Over his handslays a magic staff or club. He wears short pants, hisstomach slightly protruding over them showing his navel. Hangingbetween his legs is the end of the green scarf that Mahakala historicallywears. , looping around his ears, arms, stomach, and legs, itappears as a cloth or chain with balls suspended from it. The figurecrouches on a base of ... read more

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