Lang Temple: Mahakala

NEPAL, Dolpo

This thangka originally belonged to Lang Temple in Dolpo, Nepal. The central figure, Mahakala, is a Dharma protector often seen in Vajrayana Buddhist mandalas. The imposing black Mahakala has three eyes and four arms, and wears a large gold headdress decorated with spiral patterns. A red mandorla outlined with flame patterns surrounds the muscular body. Sitting on a figure that lies upon a lotus throne, Mahakala crosses his hands in front of his chest and embraces his wisdom consort. The crossed hands hold a ritual chopper and a skull cup. The other two hands raise a sword and a trident.
Mahakala is surrounded by rows and columns of figures with red mandorlas. In the top row, from left to right, there are images of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, Vajrasattva, Vajradhara, Vajrapani, Padmasambhava, and four patriarchs of the Sakya school. Ten mahasiddhas of the Sakya school and three Dharma protectors are shown in the second and third rows. On the sides of the painting, there are smaller images of Mahakala and other deities. In the bottom left corner, a lama sits beside an altar covered with offerings.