Hand-Painted by Rebkong (Qinghai) Master Artist
Artist: Tserang Tashi
A classic Tibetan Buddhist theme, this Six-Armed Mahakala Thangka integrates faith, art, and craftsmanship. 100% hand-painted, it is suitable for enshrinement in temple altars or home shrines—ideal for supporting spiritual practice, overcoming afflictions, and channeling the protective energy of Tibetan Buddhist art.
Specifications
✅ Uniqueness: One-of-a-kind original artwork – no duplicates exist
✅ Size: 60cm × 80cm (subject to actual product)
✅ Technique: Painted in traditional Tibetan meticulous heavy-color style, strictly adhering to proportions specified in the Buddhist Iconometric Sutras. The composition centers the main deity surrounded by a flaming halo, highlighting his majestic presence and creating a sacred aura of subduing demons and protecting the Dharma.
✅ Pigments: 100% natural mineral and plant-based (including azurite, gold powder), blended with ox bile and animal glue. These pigments resist fading for centuries, embodying the Tibetan Buddhist artistic philosophy of "upholding faith through quality materials."
✅ Canvas: Traditional Tibetan cotton fabric, crafted through gluing, powdering, and repeated sanding
✅ Framing Options:
• Traditional Tibetan gold-thread brocade mounting: Highlights religious solemnity
• Modern solid wood frame: Offers minimalist eleganceBoth options feature exquisite craftsmanship to preserve the artwork’s legacy and enhance its majestic, sacred aura.
✅ Origin & Craft: Hand-painted in Rebkong, Qinghai
About Six-Armed Mahakala Thangka Art
1. Iconography & Deity Identity
Central Deity: Six-Armed Mahakala – Ultimate Symbol of Protection
As a pivotal Dharma Protector in Tibetan Buddhism, his iconography strictly follows the Buddhist Iconometric Sutras, with every detail carrying profound meaning:
• Complexion & Posture: Black body (symbolizing the power to subdue all worldly afflictions and external obstacles, representing the dignity and strength of a Dharma Protector); stands in a wrathful posture, trampling on evil forces – embodying his sacred duty to overcome obstacles and safeguard the true path.
• Head Adornment: Wears a skull crown decorated with multiple skulls, symbolizing conquering the sufferings of samsara, transcending illusory appearances, and protecting practitioners from delusion with fearlessness.
• Six Arms & Sacred Objects: Each arm holds a distinct ritual tool, each with a clear protective significance:
￮ Skull drum: Its sound awakens deluded beings, shatters ignorance, and inspires enlightenment.
￮ Wisdom sword: Sharp blade symbolizes cutting through ignorance, prejudice, and attachment to suffering.
￮ Trident: Represents subduing demons and obstacles in the three realms, safeguarding the Dharma from interference.
￮ Kapala bowl: Filled with nectar, symbolizing nurturing practitioners’ spiritual resolve through compassion and wisdom.
￮ Rope: Binds negative forces and evil thoughts, ensuring a smooth spiritual journey.
￮ Conch shell: Its far-reaching sound symbolizes the widespread power of the Dharma Protector, offering boundless protection.
• Facial Expression & Robes: Wrathful facial features – three eyes wide open, fangs bared – exuding a fearsome majesty that intimidates evil forces. Bold, dynamic robe lines and folds perfectly embody Mahakala’s sacred role: "subduing afflictions through majesty and protecting the Dharma through guardianship."
Upper & Surrounding Background Elements
• Auspicious Clouds: Located above the main deity, with rich color gradations – symbolizing the Dharma Protector’s power spreading far and wide, offering boundless protection.
• Flaming Halo: Surrounding the main deity, vibrant orange-yellow flames symbolize Mahakala’s wrathful energy, burning away all afflictions and obstacles.
Other Attendant Deities & Elements
• Lower Protective Figures: Uniquely shaped, echoing the main deity’s wrathful aura – forming a comprehensive protection system that subdues afflictions and guards Dharma practice from multiple dimensions.
• Landscapes & Decorations: Mountain, river, and auspicious offering motifs enrich the composition with religious meaning, adding context and sacredness to the solemn protective scene. They symbolize the Dharma Protector’s power permeating the world, shielding practitioners from obstacles in any environment.
2. Cultural Connotations & Legends
Six-Armed Mahakala is the core symbol of Dharma protection and affliction subdual in Tibetan Buddhism. The creation of this Thangka theme stems from devotees’ sincere aspirations to "overcome inner and outer obstacles and safeguard Dharma practice."
As the sacred Protector governing "subduing afflictions, protecting the Dharma, and guiding spiritual practice," his spiritual essence lies in safeguarding beings through majestic vows. By practicing according to his teachings, devotees not only receive protection from obstacles and freedom from suffering but also strengthen their spiritual resolve and practice virtue – achieving the perfect state of "obstacles removed, path fulfilled; path fulfilled, enlightenment attained."
Artistically, this work is a landmark masterpiece of Rebkong Thangka art. Renowned for "striking vibrant colors, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound spiritual wisdom," Rebkong Thangka seamlessly merges symbolic faith, meticulous techniques, and the enduring quality of natural materials in this piece:
• Layers of mineral pigments embody devout prayers for "overcoming obstacles and protecting the Dharma."
• Every brushstroke showcases the Rebkong artist’s extraordinary craftsmanship and profound reverence for faith – transforming Mahakala’s protective vows into a tangible fusion of art and spirituality.
