Toling Monastery Protector Shrine Murals

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari; Guge Kingdom

The 15th century murals in the Protector Shrine of Toling Monastery include numerous depictions of Dharma protectors and several mandalas. The Dharma protectors are either one-headed and two-armed or three-headed and six-armed. All of them have a third eye in the middle of their foreheads. Most of the figures have a nimbus and an aureole. Some look ferocious with penetrating gazes, while others appear more peaceful. They hold varying items and either stand on an animal or sit with crossed legs.
The mandala on the south wall is comprised of an outer circle surrounding an inner square representing a palace. In the center, a three-headed, six-armed Bodhisattva embraces a consort and holds Dharma instruments. The Bodhisattva is contained within a square bordered by vajra patterns and is surrounded by eight similar figures. Each of the four gates in the walls of the square palace is guarded by a seated figure. Four more figures occupy the four corners outside the outer circle.