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Mahakala is the fierce manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of absolute compassion, and the primary Dharmapala, or "Dharma protector" in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahakala's name translates as the "Great Black," one, or "Great time." The latter is a reference to the deity's ability to transcend all time. More than seventy-five forms of Mahakala are known in Tibet where he is generally called mGon po, or the "Master," "Lord," or "Protector." Mahakala is characteristically depicted with a wrathful face, pot-bellied, and standing on a human corpse or the elephant-headed, Hindu god, Ganesha, who, in this case, signifies hindrances. He is dark, often black or blue in color, although the color may vary depending on the specific form being represented. In each of his two, four, six or sixteen hands, Mahakala holds the kapala and katrika, a trident, mala, or prayer beads, a noose, the heart of a vanquished enemy, a damaru, or kettle drum, sword, khatvanga and so on. His primary attributes are the kapala, or skull cup, and the katrika, or chopper. The skull cup and its contents represent the five sense offerings, while the chopper represents detachment from samsaric existence . |
