Himalayan Art Resources

Subject: Deity Colours - Blue/Black (Wrathful Activities)

Buddhist Iconography

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Blue-black Colour Description (below)
- Colours & Activities
- What Are the Colours? (Outline)
- How to Identify a Deity? (Outline)
- Four Ground Colours of a Painting
- Confusions
- Others...

In Tantric literature the colour black, or Blue-black, represents Wrathful Activities, protection & a fierce resolve of purpose. Blue is associated with the Eastern direction of a mandala and Akshobhya Buddha.

Black Deities in Tibetan Buddhism - Male:
- Achala
- Akashagarbha
- Akshobhya Buddha
- Avlokiteshvara
- Bhurkumkuta
- Buddhakapala
- Chakrsamvara
- Draglha Gonpo
- Ganapati, Blue
- Gandhari
- Garuda
- Garwa Nagpo
- Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra
- Hayagriva, Black
- Hevajra
- Humkara
- Jambhala, Black
- Kshetrapala
- Magyu Sangchog Tartug
- Mahakala
- Mahamaya
- Manjushri, Black
- Nagaraja Buddha
- Orgyan Dorje Chang
- Padmasambhava (Wrathful Forms)
- Purba Drugse Chempa
- Rahula, Protector
- Samantabhadra Buddha
- Sengge Dradog
- Shanglon
- Trowo Namjom
- Trowo Tsochog Khagying
- Vaishravana, Blue/black
- Vajrabhairava
- Vajradhara
- Vajrakila
- Vajrapani
- Vajravidarana, Blue
- Vighnantaka
- Virudhaka (Guardian King)
- Walchan Gekho
- Walse Ngampa
- Yama Dharmaraja
- Yamari, Black
- Yogambara
- Others....

Female -
- Bamo Sum
- Durga
- Dvajagrakeyura
- Ekajati
- Kali
- Nairatmya
- Pancha Raksha
- Parnashavari, Blue
- Sarasvati, Blue
- Shri Devi
- Simhamukha
- Sipai Gyalmo
- Tara
- Vajrayogini, Krodha Kali
- Yeshe Walmo
- Others...

Deity Colours: White | Yellow | Red | Blue-Black | Green | Multi-coloured | Other

Jeff Watt 2-2013 [updated 7-2018]