The Newar Craftsmen of Kathmandu Valley: Objects of Devotion from Nepal

Mahakala
Mineral pigments on primed cotton
By Mukti Singh Thapa
32” x 23”

Mahakala is a protector of Newar Buddhist monasteries (along with Ganesh). A fierce manifestation of the celestial bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, this striking figure with a crown of skulls is also associated with the tantric deity Cakrasamvara. Here, “the Great Black One” squats on a corpse, as he holds a skull-bowl and chopper. A cudgel weapon decorated with silks at both ends lies across his arms. Depicted around him are (clockwise) the goddess Ekajati, Sri Devi riding her mule, Lekden Nakpo, and the four-armed Vajrapani. These five figures blaze out from the center of the eight cremation grounds (two in each corner), that are inhabited by vultures and jackals as well as wandering spirits and tantric adepts. The bottom register shows Indra on his elephant vehicle at the center of different emanations of Mahakala.