Samten Choling Monastery: Hevajra

BHUTAN, Thimphu

Hevajra, the main character in the Hevajra Tantra, assists in the elimination of deluded attachment. In this thangka, Hevajra is portrayed with blue skin, 8 heads, and 16 arms, two of which embrace his wisdom consort, Nairatmya. The remaining hands hold skull cups containing animals or deities. Hevajra and Nairatmya stand upon four prone figures representing the four obstructive forces. Below, Tara and Vasudhara are depicted beside an altar. In the upper register, from left to right, there are images of Manjusri, Sakyamuni Buddha, Prajnaparamita, Vairocana Buddha, Padmasambhava, Amitayus Buddha, and Vajrasattva. Amitabha Buddha, Vajrapani, and Avalokitesvara are located on the sides of the thangka. Mahakala stands in the center of the lower register.The brahmin on the left is one of his manifestations. On the right, Palden Lhamo and Remati cross a sea of blood on their mules.