Palcho Monastery Kumbum Stupa Shibyedpa Shrine: Machig Labdron

CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse

Machig Labdron, the main advocator of the Vajrayana Chod teachings, created a still flourishing lineage for female practitioners. This statue is located next to the figure of Dampa Sangye, her teacher.
The figure appears as Vajravarahi and stands in a dancing posture. The bent left leg supports the weight while the right leg is raised to thigh level. The right hand raises a double-sided drum while the left hand holds a ritual bell at waist level. A five-leaf crown set with precious stones adorns the head, and red flowers are present behind her ears. A dark blue stole drapes about the figure while the rest of the body is adorned with other pieces of jewelry. The most interesting piece of jewelry is the skirt that consists of intersecting beads.