Palcho Monastery Kumbum Stupa Vajrapani Shrine: Vajrapani

CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse

This representation of Vajrapani depicts a sturdy figure with black skin and red facial hair. The figure has three staring eyes and a large bulbous nose above a fanged mouth. A five-leaf golden crown is atop the head. A white snake with colorful spots and a green head coils behind Vajrapani’s head and about his body like a stole. An ornate necklace decorates the chest while other pieces of jewelry such as armlets, bangles and anklets can be seen. The figure wears a skirt made of tiger skin that can clearly be identified as he stands in the warrior stance. One hand holds a vajra high in the air while the other holds a bell, which symbolizes wisdom. The large arch consists of ornate flames and makes an intersting mandorla behind the figure. Standing on either side of Vajrapani are similar but smaller figures that face each other. One is painted black and the other is green.