A Tibetan thangka of Vajrabhiarava with Tsongkhapa at the top, 19th Century.

The central figure on this large powerful thangka is Yamantaka Vajrabhairava, the main tutelary deity of the Gelug order of Tibetan Buddhism, dark blue in color, with nine heads, thirty-four arms and sixteen legs. The main head is that of a wrathful buffalo with two horns, whilst the small topmost head is that of Manjushri, indicating that Yamantaka Vajrabhairava is the wrathful tantric form of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Yamantaka Vajrabhairava (also known as the Death Tamer and the Diamond Terrifier) is especially important for the Gelugpas, due to lineage founder Lama Tsongkhapa’s special assocation with Manjushri, the Conqueror of Yama. he embraces his pale blue consort, Vajravetali; together they symbolize the union of method and wisdom. In his hands he holds various tantric implements which symbolically destroy all defilements and all enemies of the dharma, whilst underfoot he tramples on numerous animals, birds, humans and devas. Measurment motif 51.5x72.5 cm. Measurment with silk brocade lining 51x150 cm.

Wear, creases, loss of colour pigment.