Six-Armed Mahakala: The Swift and All-Seeing Dharma Protector

SKT. Ṣaḍbhuja Mahākāla(षड्भुज महाकाल) | TIB. mgon po phyag drug pa(མགོན་པོ་ཕྱག་དྲུག་པ) | CH. 六臂大黑天 | VIET. Lục Tý Đại Hắc Thiên

Mahākāla, a fierce manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, stands as a powerful Dharmapala, or Protector of the Dharma, revered in all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This formidable six-armed deity commands attention with his imposing presence, emanating an aura of strength and unwavering protection. His dark, ominous form embodies the essence of ferocity and guardianship, surrounded by a retinue of terrifying beings that enhance his formidable nature. At his side is Sridevi, known as Palden Lhamo, his consort, who complements his power with her own fierce spirit, together embodying a dynamic force of spiritual protection and strength.

Trampling on Ganesha

Different schools have their own preferences when it comes to the seventy forms of Mahākāla. Each school tends to emphasize certain representations. Although Mahākāla can be depicted in various colors, he is most illustrated as a large, blue-black figure embodying extreme wrath. For the Gelukpa school, the most significant form is the six-armed version. This form typically holds a skull rosary in its upper right hand. The 'hastening six-armed' form is often depicted trampling on the prostrate figure of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god. Chogyam Trungpa suggests that Ganesha represents subconscious thoughts.