Six Arm Mahakala

Beautiful Six Arm Mahakala Statue, hand made in Nepal.

Size: 5.75" X 4.25" X 2" 

The six-armed Mahakala, known as Shadbhuja Mahakala, is a wrathful and protective deity in Tibetan Buddhism, revered as a powerful guardian who embodies compassion through fierce and protective energy. Mahakala is often associated with the eradication of obstacles on the path to enlightenment, and his six-armed form signifies heightened power to protect and aid practitioners.

Key Elements of the Six-Armed Mahakala:

1. Six Arms: Each arm holds symbolic weapons or ritual items that represent different powers used to subdue negative forces and guard practitioners. Common items include:

• Trident (symbolizing cutting through delusions and ego),

• Sword (symbolizing wisdom that cuts through ignorance),

• Skull Cup (filled with nectar, representing the consumption of human afflictions and desires),

• Mala (prayer beads) (indicating his commitment to the recitation of sacred mantras),

• Khatvanga Staff (a tantric symbol of transcendence),

• Vajra Hook (symbolizing the draw of practitioners toward the path).

2. Wrathful Expression: His face is fierce, with a wide-eyed, intense gaze, often with three eyes representing his ability to see past, present, and future. His fangs are bared in a snarl, portraying his unyielding strength against obstacles.

3. Crown of Skulls: He wears a crown adorned with five skulls, each representing the transformation of the five negative emotions (anger, attachment, ignorance, pride, and envy) into wisdom.

4. Flaming Halo: Surrounding Mahakala is often a halo or aura of flames, symbolizing the burning away of ignorance and purification of defilements.

5. Tiger or Elephant Skin Cloak: Mahakala is frequently depicted wearing a tiger or elephant skin across his body, symbolizing his victory over