Illustrated Manuscript of the Prajnaparamita Sutra - Kurukulla Dakini

INDIA

This image is part of an illustrated palm leaf manuscript of the Prajnaparamita Sutra from the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century). The dakini has three eyes and four arms. She stands within a golden niche and is surrounded by a flaming mandorla. Jewelry and ornaments depicted with white dots stand out against her red body. Her golden hair stands up straight above a headdress. A tiger skin is draped around her waist. The four hands hold a bow, arrows, a hook, and a noose. The dakini stands in a dancing pose, with her right leg raised and her left foot standing upon a demon, symbolizing the overcoming of defilements. Green plants are painted above the niche. The rectangular border of the image is decorated with beads and squares.