The Ancient Protector: Four-Faced Mahakala
Four-Faced Mahakala (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Four-Faced Mahakala with consorts and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Four-Faced Mahakala (English)
Alternative names: Chaturmukha Mahakala (Sanskrit); Gonpo Shel Shi (Tibetan)
Four-Faced Mahakala is a Dharma Protector associated explicitly with the Heruka Tantras and is propitiated by Heruka practitioners for spiritual protection and for the granting of material necessities so that they can concentrate on their spiritual practice. Four-Faced Mahakala has a very close connection with Dorje Shugden. In his previous lives as great lamas and teachers, Dorje Shugden as a lama relied on Four-Faced Mahakala as one of his primary protectors. Here he is portrayed with his four consorts: the black-coloured Dombini; the yellow-coloured Singhali; the red-coloured Rakshasi; and the green-coloured Chandali.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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Rejoice to this talented artist who paints beautifully of this rime thangka of four-faced Mahakala with consorts and Dorje Shugden. May the artist continue to paints more thangkas which many more loves it and get to know of the practice. Four-Faced Mahakala is a also a Dharma Protector been having a close connection with Dorje Shugden. Interesting read .
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.