Item: Vajrapani (Bodhisattva & Buddhist Deity) - Krodha (Wrathful)

Vajrapani, Krodha (Tibetan: chag na dor je. English: the Vajra Holder, Wrathful): wrathful Tutelary Deity, representing the power of all Buddhas.

Sanskrit: Vajrapani Tibetan: chag na dor je

The Vajra Holder was the original wrathful deity of Buddhism patterned on the classical Indian model of a demon figure known as a raksha. As an idea the Vajra Holder is related to Hercules of Greek mythology who also wields a powerful club. A fierce expression with bulging eyes, thick limbs, an aggressive posture and a circle of flames radiating from the body define the characteristics for this class of figure in Himalayan art. This work was created as a single painting by a donor to commemorate the death of a family member. The deceased male is pictured in blue clothing in the bottom right corner of the painting.

Jeff Watt 3-2001. Updated 2004