Item: Mahakala (Buddhist Protector) - Panjarnata (Lord of the Pavilion)

Mahakala, Panjarnata. (See Panjarnata Main Page and Outline Page).

Panjaranata Mahakala is the protector for the Shri Hevajra cycle of Tantras. The iconography and rituals for this form of Mahakala are found in the 18th chapter of the Vajra Panjara Tantra (canopy, or pavilion) a Sanskrit language text from India, and an exclusive 'explanatory tantra' to the Hevajra Tantra itself. It is from the name of this tantra that this specific form of Mahakala is known. 'Vajra Panjara' means the 'vajra enclosure', egg shaped, created from vajra scepters large and small - all sizes, completely surrounding a Tantric Buddhist mandala. The name of the Tantra is Vajra Panjara and the name of the form of Mahakala taught in this Tantra is also Vajra Panjara. The full name for the protector is Vajra Panjara Nata Mahakala - Great Black One Lord of the Vajra Pavilion.

Jeff Watt 5-2012

Numbered Image:
1. Panjarnata Mahakala
2. Shri Hevajra
3. Heruka Hevajra
4. Vajrakila
5. Bhutadamara Vajrapani
6. Ekajati
7. Brahmanarupa Mahakala
8. Shri Devi
9. Shri Shmashana Adhipati
10. Gauri
11. Dugyal
12. Pancha Raksha
13. Pancha Raksha
14. Pancha Raksha
15. Pancha Raksha
16. Pancha Raksha

Reverse of Painting
English Translation of Inscription: [short verses of blessing]