Three-Headed, Eight-Armed Mahapratisara

NEPAL

Mahapratisara belongs to a group of five Nepalese protective Bodhisattvas. Each hand arrayed at the sides of the figure carries a different Dharma instrument indicative of her Vajrayana function. These include, from bottom to top, a ritual vajra and bell, a bow and arrow, sword and parasol. The instruments in the hands at the front further emphasize the union of wisdom and compassion in this figure; a Dharma wheel cupped in the right hand and a noose in the left hand to capture those astray. There is a five-leaf crown upon each head while the head of Vairocana, her tutelary Buddha, is projected from the top. Pieces of jewelry and a winding stole are worn over the torso. The Bodhisattva is seated in full lotus position upon a rock and behind her is a hollow mandorla rimmed with stylized flames.