Mahasiddha Kirapalapa
Operating outside monastic precincts, mahasiddhas were advanced tantric practitioners from all walks of society. Kirapalapa, shown here holding a sword and a shield, was a warrior-king before pursuing a path of nonviolence and compassion. Despite his fine dhoti and jewels, he is portrayed in the wilderness under a tree like an ascetic. Kirapalapa was initiated to the deity Chakrasamvara and, after twelve years of meditation under his yogi’s guidance, achieved a siddhi (attainment or knowledge).
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