Himalayan Art Resources

Indian Adept: Shavaripa Page

Shavaripa Masterworks

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- Biography
- Identifiable Mahasiddhas
- Five Contexts
- Study Guide
- Peacock Imagery
- Mahasiddha Main Page
- Mahasiddha Technical Glossary
- Confusions: Saraha
- Others...

Video: Mahasiddha Shavaripa

Shavaripa is easily identified by the bow and arrow he holds in the two hands and a skirt, or shirt, of peacock feathers, often accompanied by a female consort, or two. Typically he is depicted in the appearance of a layman with some examples of late New Menri compositions portraying him in siddha (heruka) appearance. Whether light skinned or dark, lay or siddha appearance, the bow, arrow and feathers are the key iconographic attributes. He is sometimes confused with Saraha because they both hold an arrow. However Saraha has no bow or peacock feather garments.

Shavaripa is loosely related to the goddess Parnashavari and Janguli by relationship of the Shavari tribe of north-east India. Both Shavaripa and Parnashavari wear peacock feather clothing while Janguli holds peacock feathers in her hand.

Written works linked to Shavaripa and authors with similar names are often on the subjects of Chakrasamvara, Vajrayogini, Mahakala and Mahamudra.

Key Points:
- Important for tantric lineages & teachings (Sakya, Kagyu)
- Named in the Eighty-four Great Siddha sets
- Not in the Eight Great Siddha Sets
- Easily recognizable: holding a bow & arrow, dressed in peacock feathers

Context in Art:
- Lineage Depiction (Chakrasamvara, Vajrayogini, others)
- Eighty-four Mahasiddha Sets
- Guruyoga
- Others...

Chakrasamvara Lineage, Abisheka, Root Tantra and Commentary: Vajradhara, Vajrapani, Maha Brahmin Saraha, Acharya Nagarjuna, The Protector Shavari, Luipa, Darikapa, Vajra Ghantapa, Kumarapada, Jalandharapa, Krishnapa, Guhyapa, Nampar Gyalwai Shap, The Acharya Barmai Lobpon, Tilopa, Naropa, (the two) Pamtingpa Kuche Nyi, Lama Lokkya Sherab Tseg, Lama Mal Lotsawa, The Lord of Dharma Sakyapa (1092-1158).

Database Search: All Images

Jeff Watt 3-2006