Hevajra Mandala
Hevajra is one of the premier enlightened beings (yidam) in esoteric Vajrayana Buddhism and is widely revered in Tibet as a fierce protective deity. Eight-headed, four-legged, and with sixteen arms, Hevajra is represented here embracing his consort Nairatmya. He holds ritual utensils in his crossed hands and she a flaying knife (karttrka). Their ecstatic dance generates a flaming red aureole bordered by emanations of Hevajra. The couple is replicated in four medallions located in the corners. The uppermost register displays deities alongside mahasiddhas and lamas, practitioners of Tantric Buddhism, and the lowermost register records a lineage of monks together with protector gods. The text that inspired this work, the Hevajra Tantra, was composed in eastern India in the eighth century or slightly later, and enjoyed great popularity in Tibet, as well as in Cambodia, Java, and China.
Artwork Details
- Title: Hevajra Mandala
- Artist: Sakya School
- Date: 16th century
- Culture: Tibet
- Medium: Ink and distemper on cloth
- Dimensions: 21 1/4 x 17 15/16 in. (54.0 x 45.6 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Henry and Louise Loeb, 1982
- Object Number: 1982.225
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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late 15th century
ca. 1500
15th century
1450–1500
1450–1500
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