Taramula Mahavihara: Illustrated Manuscript of the Pancaraksa Sutra

NEPAL, Kathmandu; Malla dynasty

This illustrated manuscript dates from 1676. Written and painted by two masters from Tarumula Mahavihara, it is composed of a total of 155 pages, each measuring 11.5 cm by 39.5 cm. The illustrations in the middle of each page of text are painted in gold and gouache. The Pancaraksa Sutra is a collection of five dharanis and the records of the merits that they bestow on those who recite and follow them. The five dharanis are the Mahapratisara Dharani, Mahamayuri Dharani, Mahasahasrapramardini Dharani, Mahamantranusarini Dharani, and Mahasitavati Dharani.
The top, middle, and bottom images feature Vairocana Buddha, Mahapratisara, and the family of the donor respectively. Vairocana sits in full lotus position on a lion throne, forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. A decorative arch decorated with scrolling patterns, kalavinkas and a garuda is painted above the Buddha. Two disciples stand beside the pillars of the arch. In the middle image, Eight-Armed Mahapratisara sits below a similar decorative arch, flanked by four heavenly beings. In the bottom picture, the merchant Jayarama, his wife Rukmani, and their family make offerings to the Buddha. Inscriptions state that the sponsor and his family lived in Suvarnapranali, in the northern half of Kathmandu. Indian influences are apparent in the costumes, full profile depictions and the uncluttered compositions, while Tibetan influence manifests in the depiction of the cloud-topped mountains in the background of the bottom picture.