Original Two Arms, Mahankala Hand Painted Newari Style Canvas Cotton Thangka Painting From Nepal

Dimensions: 85 x 50 cm And Inches 33" x 20" Approx
Materials: Tibetan Acrylic Colors With Hide Glue
Canvas: Organic Cotton
Hand Painted In Nepal
Fine Quality Tibetan Thangka
Unframed Thangka

More About Mahankala
Mahākāla, also spelled Mahakala, is a prominent deity in Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Mahākāla is often depicted in various forms, and there are both peaceful and wrathful manifestations of this deity. When you refer to "two arms Mahākāla," you are likely talking about a specific form of Mahākāla known as "Shri Bhairava Mahākāla," which is a peaceful and two-armed manifestation.


Two-Armed Form: In this manifestation, Mahākāla is depicted with two arms. He is peaceful in appearance, unlike some of his more wrathful forms, which can have multiple arms and ferocious attributes.

Depictions: Mahākāla is often depicted in this form as a dark-blue or black deity. He typically stands on a lotus pedestal and holds a skull cup (kapala) in one hand and a curved knife (kartika) in the other. The skull cup contains the elixir of wisdom.

Symbolism: The two-armed Mahākāla represents the enlightened qualities of wisdom and compassion. His peaceful appearance signifies the transcendence of duality, where wisdom (prajñā) and skillful means (upaya) are harmoniously integrated.

Protector and Guardian: Mahākāla, in all his forms, is considered a powerful protector and guardian of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) and practitioners. He is believed to help remove obstacles, dispel negative forces, and guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment.

Practice and Rituals: Devotees engage in various practices and rituals dedicated to Mahākāla to seek his blessings and protection. These practices often involve mantra recitation, meditation, and offerings.

Variations: It's worth noting that there are many variations of Mahākāla, each with its own unique attributes and symbolism. Some forms are more wrathful and are associated with subduing obstacles and adversaries, while others are peaceful and represent the harmonious qualities of enlightenment.

Mahākāla, in his various forms, holds a significant place in Vajrayana Buddhism and is revered as a potent and compassionate protector and guide for practitioners on their spiritual journey. The specific form of Mahākāla worshipped may vary depending on the particular lineage and tradition within Tibetan Buddhism.