Item: Shri Devi (Buddhist Protector) - Rangjung Gyalmo & Bernagchen
| Origin Location | Eastern Tibet |
|---|---|
| Date Range | 1800 - 1899 |
| Lineages | Karma (Kagyu) |
| Size | 42.55x29.21cm (16.75x11.50in) |
| Material | Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton |
| Collection | Rubin Museum of Art |
Classification: Deity
Appearance: Wrathful
Gender: Female
Summary: Shri Devi is the main figure embracing the consort Bernagchen.
Shri Devi Rangjung Gyalmo & Bernagchen Mahakala: important protector deities of the Karma Kagyu Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Shri Devi Rangjung Gyalmo & Bernagchen Mahakala as a couple sit astride a donkey atop a sun disc and surrounded by orange, red and yellow flames of pristine awareness. The unique aspect to these combined wrathful protectors is the female - Shri Devi - is the principal iconographic figure facing forward, or outward in a painting or sculpture. Bernagchen Mahakala is the secondary figure embracing Shri Devi and looking towards her.
At the top center is Karma Pakshi - the 2nd Karmapa. On the left is the Indian Mahasiddha Dombi Heruka embracing a consort and riding a top a pregnant tiger. On the right side is Vajrayogini in her form as Vajravarahi, red in colour, standing in a dancing posture.
Jeff Watt 8-2011
Buddhist Protectors: Enlightened
Tradition: Karma Kagyu Main Page
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Painting Gallery 8
Buddhist Protector: Mahakala Main Page
Mahakala (Kagyu)
Buddhist Protector: Shri Devi & Bernagchen
Subject: Female Dominant Deity Couples
Tradition: Karma Kagyu Protectors