Yamantaka Thangka – Vajrabhairava Assembly

Specifications

• Dimensions: 50 x 75 cm

• Materials: 24K Gold & Natural Mineral Pigments on Cotton Canvas

• Canvas: Traditionally Prepared Cotton Canvas

• Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

• Artistic Style: Menri Style (Tibetan)

• Background Type: Wrathful Fire Background

• Framing: Unframed Canvas

• Type: Original Hand-Painted Thangka

• Consecration: Available Upon Request

Iconography & Sacred Assembly

This Thangka reveals the complex mandala of Vajrabhairava (Yamantaka). Every limb, head, and weapon symbolizes a specific conquest over delusion.

Central Figure – Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava) Yamantaka stands at the center, dark blue and terrifying. He is the wrathful emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, appearing this way to tame the Lord of Death.

• The Nine Heads: The central head is that of a buffalo, signifying his victory over Yama (Death). The topmost head is the peaceful, golden face of Manjushri, revealing that his inner nature is pure, gentle wisdom.

• The Union: He embraces his consort, Vajravetali, in a union of bliss and emptiness. She holds a skull cup of nectar, feeding his bliss.

• The 34 Arms:

  • His thirty-four arms fan out like wings, each holding a specific ritual implement—knives to cut ego, drums to wake the ignorant, and intestines to symbolize the severance of attachment.

• The 16 Legs:

  • He stands on sixteen legs, trampling upon eight mammals, eight birds, and various worldly gods. This symbolizes his absolute dominance over all worldly obstacles and the different types of fear.

Sacred Background & Landscape

The deity dwells within a mass of blazing wisdom flames. The background swirls with the heat of transformation.

• Style: Dynamic fire motifs with stylized clouds.

• Visual Symbols: The fire represents the burning away of ignorance; the lotus throne underneath signifies purity amidst chaos.

• Spiritual Meaning: This is not ordinary fire; it is the energy that consumes the ego.

• Essence: A landscape of radical transmutation.

Artisan Mastery

A master artist painted this highly complex figure with incredible patience. Depicting 34 arms and 16 legs requires a level of detail few artists possess.

• Tradition: Gelugpa tradition aesthetic.

• Aesthetic Tone: Intense contrasts of deep blue against fiery orange.

• Technique: Precision line work to distinguish every hand and attribute.

• Spirit: Created as a study in discipline and focus.

Spiritual Application

This Thangka works with you, not just for you. Use it to face your deepest fears and realize they have no inherent existence.

• Heart Mantra: OM YAMARAJA SADOMEYA... (The long dharani) or OM HRIH SHTRI VIKRTANA...

• Meditation: Visualize the buffalo head swallowing your ego.

• Blessing: Radiates fearlessness in the face of impermanence.

• Purpose: A daily reminder that wisdom is stronger than death.

Why Choose This Yamantaka Thangka

Sacred art chooses you as much as you choose it. Here is why this Thangka belongs in your space.

• Lasting Value: The iconography here is incredibly detailed and difficult to reproduce. This is a collector's piece of high spiritual merit.

• Daily Anchor: One glance shifts your perspective from trivial worries to ultimate reality. No elaborate ritual is needed to feel the effect.

• For Everyone: You don’t need to be a monk to need courage. Just open your heart to the imagery of triumph.

• Obstacle Removal: His presence specifically targets the fear of endings and changes. You will feel a shift toward acceptance and power.