Vajrabhairava Mandala (Sanskrit)

Dorje Jig-Je Khyil Kor (Tibetan)

18” x 22” ◊ Ground mineral pigment and silver on cotton cloth

A mandala is a highly technical and precise circular diagram, representing the entire universe. Within the center of the this two dimensional circular diagram (mandala) representing the top view of a three dimensional celestial palace and surroundings is the deity Vajra, dark blue in colour, with 9 faces, 32 hands holding a variety of objects, and 16 legs trampling on various animals, birds and gods. The first pair of hands embrace the consort Vajra Vetali.

The floor of the celestial palace is divided into four colours ornately patterned with floral designs: red, blue, white and yellow. On the veranda outside of the palace walls, on each side of the four doors, are two dancing offering goddesses, sixteen in total. The outer red and white lines forming a square enclosure represent the stylized decorative facade on the four sides of the palace roof. The elaborate lintels above each of the four doors are constructed of tiered multi-coloured steps topped with a Dharma wheel, two reclining deer and gold spires; with a silk canopy above.

Surrounding the palace is a circle of multi-coloured, rectangular shaped, lotus petals representing the enormous lotus upon which the entire palace structure rests. The outer circle, divided into eight sections, containing small figures and objects is the ring of the eight great charnel grounds filled with corpses, fires, caityas, yogis, nagas, and wrathful worldly deities. All of that is surrounded by a circle of gold vajras and finally by a ring of multi-coloured fire of pristine awareness completely enveloping the Bhairava Mandala.