The Lady of Control, Kurukulle
Kurukulle (Main figure)
(Top to bottom): Kurukulle and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Kurukulle (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Rigchema (Tibetan)
The sublime Kurukulle is a female deity who is red in colour. Her practice is one that invokes upon the activity of control and magnetisation. She is in dancing posture and has four arms holding a bow, an arrow made of flowers, a noose and a vajra hook of flowers. Kurukulle is considered a manifestation of Red Tara, one of the 21 Taras of the old Tara Tantras. Interestingly, her name is actually Kurukulla although it is popularly pronounced as ‘Kurukulle’, due to the Tibetan pronunciation of her mantra and Sanskrit grammar. Kurukulle is also very popular among the Newari Tantric Buddhists of Nepal.
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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Kurukulle is a fully enlightened being and a goddess with unlimited powers of enchantment. Kurukulle appears to be popular and even so among the Tibetans as today. Kurukulle is motivated by wisdom and compassion where her divine beauty reflects her transcendent purity. Kurukulle acts solely for the welfare, happiness, and liberation of all sentient beings. Together with Dorje Shugden form a powerful pair. Beautiful thangka.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.