Simhamukha: Confusions in Identification
Simhamukha means 'lion-faced' and refers principally to three unrelated deities in Tantric Buddhism. The first appears most prominently as a central figure whereas the other two are always secondary in position. As a meditational deity Simhamukha is associated with the [1a] Chakrasamvara Tantra and [1b] as a 'Terma' discovery of the Nyingma Tradition. [2] Simhamukha is a retinue deity belonging to the One Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities of the Guhyagarbha Tantra. [3] Simhamukha is the second attendant figure belonging to the retinue of Shri Devi Magzor Gyalmo. All three of these deities, although similar in appearance with the lion face, are unrelated as to origin, function and hierarchy.