Item: Worldly Protector (Buddhist) - Dorje Shugden

Dorje Shugden (English: the Vajra Possessing Strength): a minor Buddhist worldly protector originating in Tibet in the 17th century. In Dorje Shugden's previous birth he is believed to have been the Gelugpa Lama Dragpa Gyaltsen (1619-1656) of Drepung Monastery, a contemporary and a rival to the Lama that was to become the Great Fifth Dalai Lama.

Maroon in colour with one face and two hands he holds in the right a sword and a long hook. In the left hand is a human heart held up to the mouth. He is very fierce with three staring eyes and a gaping mouth with the canine teeth exposed. On the chest he wears a decorative mirrow marked with the Tibetan syllable 'HRIH'. Richly attired in monastic robes and a golden yellow riding hat of Chinese origin, he is completely surrounded by orange and red flames. The mount is a mythical Tibetan snow lion, white with a green mane, fierce in appearance with a snarling face - gazing back.

At the top center is an unidentified Gelug teacher wearing a yellow pandita hat and monastic robes. At the top left is White Chakrasamvara according to the system of Lama Umapa and Je Tsongkapa. At the top right is Brahmanarupa Mahakala.

Jeff Watt 4-2013

Thematic Sets
Buddhist Deity: Dorje Shugden (Wrathful)
Collection: SRG Photo Archive
Subject: Controversial Art Main Page
Subject: Deities Wearing Hats
Buddhist Deity: Dorje Shugden Art History
Subject: Monks as Deities & Retinue Figures (Battle Monks & Protectors)
Buddhist Deity: Dorje Shugden Main Page
Teacher: Pabongkha Dechen Nyingpo
Subject: Protectors - Worldly Protectors Considered Wisdom Deities
Buddhist Deity: Dorje Shugden Riding a Lion