Chitipati (protector)
(item no. 417)

Tibet

1700 - 1799

Uncertain Lineage

30.48x22.23cm (12x8.75in)

Ground Mineral Pigment, Fine Gold Line on Cotton

Collection of Rubin Museum of Art

(acc.# P1996.28.6)

 
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Shri Chitipati (Tibetan: pal dur tro dag po yab yum. English: the Glorious Lords of the Charnel Ground - Father-Mother).

Sanskrit: Chitipati Tibetan: Dur tro dag po

In the appearance of two identical skeletons they each have one face, two hands, holding a bone stick in the upraised right and a blood filled skullcup held to the heart in the left. Adorned with skull crowns and ornaments, they wear silk scarves and skirts of various colours standing atop a flat sun disc and multi-coloured lotus seat. In a two storied palace constructed entirely of bones and skulls, Sahaja Chakrasamvara occupies the upper floor. Dark blue in colour with one face and two hands he embraces the consort red Vajravarahi; both surrounded by the flames of wisdom fire. At the upper corners of the palace roof four impaled corpses dangle upright. Three large skullcups arranged at the front of the palace present offerings of blood, the five senses and red triangular shaped torma (stylized food). The grounds in front are littered with the carnage of the charnel environment, dismembered corpses and carrion beasts

Shri Chitipati arises from the Secret Essence Wheel Tantra and is associated with the Chakrasamvara Tantra (Anuttarayoga Tantra). Primarily employed as a wealth practice, with emphasis on protecting from thieves, they also serve as the special protector for the Vajrayogini 'Naro Khechari' practice. Shri Chitipati is now common, to a greater or lesser extent, in all the Sarma Schools.

Lineage: Vajradhara, Vajrayogini, Mahasiddha Padmavajra, Lilavajra, Jnana Siddhi, Shri Samayavajra, Chime Lodro Zangpo, Ngulchu Vairochana, Khampa Gvalo Shonnu Pal, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158), etc.

Jeff Watt 4-98


View other items in:
Thematic Set
Buddhist Protectors: Enlightened
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Painting Gallery VII
Buddhist Protector: Shmashana Adhipati (Chitipati)
1700 - 1799 (18th Century) Part I



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Photographed Image Copyright © 2004 Rubin Museum of Art