Mahakala, “Lord of the
Tent”, is one of the most revered Tibetan protector deities.
He is worshipped as a protector of the entire realm as well as
a personal tutelary deity. Well represented and revered in all
orders of Tantric Tibetan Buddhism, Mahakala is especially
popular with the Sakya order. In his most common form he is
believed to be the fierce manifestation of the bodhisattva
Avalokitesvara who plays a prominent role in Tibetan Buddhism,
and was the tutelary deity of the Mongolian ruler Kublai
Khan.
Mahakala is a Dharmapala, a protector of religious law. He is
always depicted as an extremely fierce and terrifying deity.
His purpose is to help in overcoming negative obstacles on the
path to enlightenment. A compassionate wrathful deity, he
appears evil, like a demon, but functions more like guard dog,
or guardian angel. (Sergeant) His aggression is necessary,for
it allows him to demolish obstacles and negativities one faces
on the path to enlightenment. Mahakala is depicted in a variety
of different ways, sometimes with six arms, other times with
two. He is often brown skinned and associated in tankas with
Penden Lhamo.
Mahakala’s role as “Lord of the
Tent” explains his popularity in Tibetan religion. Tibetans
are historically a nomadic people and tents have always been an
important form of protection and shelter,providing the basis
for their way of life. Tents being essential for survival
resulted in Mahakala, the “Lord of the Tent”, becoming one
of the most important protector deities
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