Palcho Monastery Kumbum Stupa Grahamatrika Shrine: Grahamatrika

CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse

Grahamatrika, also known as mother of the stars, is shown with six arms and three faces, above which a topknot rises behind a crown with many leaves. The faces wear identical expressions and are colored white in front, green on the left side and red on the right side. The hands at the front both display the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra, while the two right hands on the side hold an arrow and a vajra. The hand to the top left is probably in karana (warding off evil) mudra while the other holds a bow. A stole crosses the upper body and the skirt below is secured by a jeweled belt. The figure sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne and is flanked by a red Maitreya and a white Avalokitesvara, both standing in niches and facing inward.