The Presiding Deity of Swayambhunatha Stupa

The central figure in this painting is Vajradhara, worshipped as the Adibuddha or Primordial Buddha. He is regarded as the embodiment of shunyata or void. In Tibetan he is known as rdo rje 'chang (Dorje Chang). The concept appeared for the first time in the Kalachakra Tantra, embodied as a monotheistic figure, presiding over the five Dhyani Buddhas. He is a very important deity in both Tibet and Nepal. Swayambhunatha, perhaps the most important stupa of Nepal is dedicated to this deity. Indeed, is essence, Vajradhara too is self-born (Swayambhu), self-existent, eternal and formless.

Here Vajradhara is depicted richly robed and bejeweled, much like a bodhisattva. He is seated in the padmasana, on a richly bedecked lotus throne supported by lions. His hands are crossed against the chest holding a bell and the thunderbolt. This is known as the 'vajrahumkara mudra', meaning roar of the thunderbolt. The dominant central figure of Vajradhara is surrounded by Mahasiddhas.

Achieving the 'state of vajradhara' is synonymous with complete realisation. According to the Kagyu tradition, Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha, is the dharmakaya buddha, depicted as dark blue in color, expressing the quintessence of buddhahood itself and representing the essence of the historical Buddha's realization of enlightenment. As such Vajradhara is thought to be the supreme essence of all (male) Buddhas (his name means the bearer of the thunderbolt). It is the Tantric form of Shakyamuni which is called Vajradhara. Tantrism is believed to have been originally taught by the Tantric form of Shakyamuni called Vajradhara.

Click Here to View the Thangka Painting along with its Brocade

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