Takkiraja, in a solitary form (Tibetan: du pai gyal po. English: the King of Desire) a power deity arising from the Guhyasamaja cycle of Tantras.

"...as Mahakrodha Takkiraja with a body red in colour, like ruby, blazing with light like the disc of the sun. With one face, two hands and three eyes, the right holds aloft a hook to gather in the Three Realms, the left holds a noose to the heart in a wrathful gesture. Standing in a manner with the right leg drawn in and the left extended, having long hair tied in a top knot, adorned with jewels and snakes and wearing a red silk upper garment and various silks as a lower garment. In the lap is the mother, Devi Bharati, with a body red in colour, one face, two hands and three eyes. The right is holding aloft a hook and the left holds a nectar filled vase and embraces the Father. The right foot is extended and the left in the manner of embracing the Father; adorned with jewel ornaments and a wearing a red silk upper garment and various silk lower garments. Both the Father and Mother stand in the middle of a blazing fire of pristine awareness." (Written by Ngorchen Konchog Lhundrup (1497-1557). sGrub Thabs Kun bTus, vol.8).

This form of Takkiraja belongs to a set known as the 'marchen kor sum' or the Three Great Red Deities included in a larger set called 'The Thirteen Golden Dharmas' of Sakya. The other two are Kurukulle and Ganapati.

Please see the other companion paintings:
MFA, Boston: Kurukulle.
Private Collection: Ganapati.

Jeff Watt 3-2005