Potala Palace: Six-Armed Mahakala

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

Mahakala means Great Black One. Although the statue has been lavishly colored and brought to a high polish. This figure is the six-armed version of the deity represented with fire as a primary focus, encompassing the flames that surround the head and the burning mandorla. The flames are emphasized further by the elaborate leaves of the crown, while the swirling pattern of the mandorla is echoed by the buoyant ends of the stole about the figure’s feet. The two main arms hold a wish-fulfilling gem in the right hand and a vase filled with sweet nectar in the left hand. The remaining left hands hold a trident and a snare, while the hands on the right hold a curved knife and a hand-drum. The stocky legs crush two elephant-headed beings upon the rectangular lotus pedestal.