Nepal , 20th century

Dimensions: 60 cm x 40 cm

The blue-skinned figure with four faces and twelve arms holding various attributes, embracing Vajravarahi as he strides over two prone figures on a lotus base, both backed by a flaming mandala

Chakrasamvara is one of the most popular deities in Tantric Buddhism. In his primary hands he holds a vajra and bell, his topmost hands hold an elephant skin stretched out behind him, his proper right hands hold a drum, axe trident and curved knife, and his proper left hands hold a khatvanga staff, a lasso, a blood-filled skull cup and the four-faced head of Brahma. Each of his heads wears a skull crown, and he also is adorned with bone ornaments and a garland of freshly severed heads. Around his waist is tied a tiger-skin. Vajravarahi also holds a curved knife, skullcap and a garland, this time of skulls, and wears a bone apron around her waist.

At top left is Vajradhara in embrace, with the Indian Mahasidda, Ghantapa, at bottom right is Shadbhuja Mahakala.
Ghantapa was a monk at Nalanda monastery who was greatly praised for his learning. He eventually was initiated into the Chakrasamvara mandala practice and left he monastery to pursue further meditation in the jungles.