Mahakala Thangka is an iconic Tibetan Buddhist painting or scroll depicting the deity Mahakala, a fierce, wrathful guardian of Buddhism associated with power, transformation, and the removal of obstacles.
Mahakala is often featured as an intimidating figure in a thangka, portrayed with a dark blue or black complexion. His physical characteristics, such as fierce eyes and fangs, allude to his formidable nature. He may have four or six arms, each holding symbols with special meaning.
The right hand of Mahakala typically holds a curved knife, representing the severance of obstructions. His left hand possesses a skull cup which contains an elixir, suggesting the transmutation of negativity into understanding. His other hands may feature a trident, a vajra (thunderbolt), a damaru (hand drum), or a noose, representing different aspects of strength and deterrence.
