12 inch/ 30 cm Six Armed Mahakala | མགོན་པོ། | 大黑天

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Six Armed Mahakala is a powerful protector deity. He is a wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the compassionate bodhisattva, and is widely regarded as the primary protector of the Gelugpa tradition.Six Armed Mahakala is depicted with six arms, each holding a different symbolic object, as his name suggests. A skull cup filled with blood, a vajra (a ritual implement symbolizing the indestructible nature of the enlightened mind), a sword, a trident, a noose, and a khatvanga are among the items (a staff topped with a skull and other symbolic objects). The skull cup represents the transmutation of negative emotions, the vajra represents enlightenment's indestructible nature, the sword represents wisdom, the trident represents control over the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion, the noose represents the ability to bind negative forces, and the khatvanga represents the integration of wisdom and compassion.Six Armed Mahakala is shown wrathfully, with a skull crown, a necklace of freshly severed heads, and a fierce expression. His body is frequently depicted in dark blue or black, representing the infinite and unfathomable nature of his power.Six Armed Mahakala is frequently invoked in Tibetan Buddhism for protection against obstacles, negativity, and harm. He is also associated with the removal of impediments to spiritual practice and the promotion of success in all endeavors. The practice of Six Armed Mahakala is thought to be especially effective in overcoming obstacles to enlightenment.