Vajrasattva
Siddhi Muni Shakya

The veneration of the Vajrasattva is one of the earliest practices in Vajrayana Buddhism. Vajrasattva is the priest of the five Dhyani Buddhas in the Kathmandu Valley, and is invoked in the central ritual of most ceremonies and daily worshipping practices. He is not worshipped or placed in the company of any other gods, but singly, or with his consort, Vajrasattvātmikā, in the yab-yum pose of mystical union. He is often depicted in rich attire and ornaments, seated in a cross-legged position and holding the vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand with upturned palm against the chest, and the ghanta (bell) in the left hand, resting against the left thigh. He carries his implements in the same manner when depicted singly or accompanied by his consort. As priest of the Dhyani Buddhas, he is considered supreme deity, representing the principle of purification, and manifesting the purity of our senses. Below the central figures of the deity and his consort are the great offerings represented by objects denoting the five senses: the conch shell, fruit, a scarf, a mirror, and musical instrument representing smell, taste, touch, vision, and sound. The various narrations around the central figure belong to the Mahasiddhas, or the great ascetics practicing their religion at cremation grounds.