Pargarbu Cave 1: Mural

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari

This mural is to the left of the entrance on the front (south) wall and depicts four Bodhisattvas. The top left image is the red-bodied Manjusri Bodhisattva with four arms. A sword is held in one of the right hands, and a lotus with the Prajnaparamita Sutra on top is held in the left hand at the chest. The remaining hands hold a bow and arrow. The top right figure is the green Vajrapani, with three eyes and a wrathful countenance. Vajrapani’s hair stands on end. He is holding a vajra in the right hand while forming a mudra with the left hand. The figure stands in the dynamic warrior stance, with the left leg extended and the right leg bent.
The bottom left image depicts a red figure seated in full lotus position forming a mudra at the chest. The mandorla contains aspects from the Six Dharma Symbolic Features, such as the garuda, makaras, and elephants. The bottom right figure is a four-armed Mahakala holding a skull cup, a banner, and a sword. Mahakala is seated in the relaxation posture and has a protruding abdomen.