Mahakala, Protector of the Tent Posters and Art Prints

Mahakala is one of the most popular guardians in the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. This tangka, one of the earliest and grandest of this subject was created in the 15th century. Here he tramples a corpse while wielding a flaying knife and a blood-filled skull cup, signifying the destruction of impediments to enlightenment. In the crooks of his elbows, he supports a gandi gong, a symbol of his vow to protect the community of monks (sangha). His principal companions, Palden Remati and Palden Lhamo, appear to his left, and Legden Nagpo and Bhutadamara are at his right. At lower left is Brahmarupa blowing a thighbone trumpet. He is especially revered by the Sakya order, which commissioned this work.