Buddhist Deity: Vajrayogini, Chinnamasta (Severed-head)
Vajrayogini Main PageSubjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (Below)
- Virupa Tradition
- Mitra Yogin Tradition
- Nyang Tradition
- Hindu Gods Index/Glossary
- Masterworks
- Confusions: Dasha Mahavidya
- Others...
Videos:
- Chinnamasta: The Severed Headed Goddess (Study Topics)
- Chinnamasta (book review)
- Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms (Book review)
Study Topics:
- Buddhist Chinnamasta
- Ten Mahavidya Chinnamasta (Shakta)
- Iconographic Variations
- Lineage Variations
"...Buddha Dakini, orange in colour, the right leg straight pressing on Bhairava and Kalaratri. The right hand holds a curved knife extended out. The left holds upward a blood filled skullcup. Held against the left shoulder in a white katvanga staff - representing method. On the left is Vajra Varnani, green, with the left leg extended, curved knife in the right [hand] and a skullcup in the left. On the right is Vairochani, yellow, with the right leg extended, curved knife in the right [hand] and a skullcup in the left. All three have a crown of five dry skulls, a hanging garland of fifty fresh heads and the five mudras, standing in the middle of a mass of blazing fire." (4th Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima, 1782-1853. Rinjung Lhantab, page 409-411. Sadhana page 238).
Lineage, Rinjung Gyatsa:
"Vajravarahi, Cham Lakshminkara, Virupa, Avadhutipa, Dongdarpa, Sonyompa Gyalwa Jin, Sonyompa Sanggye Jin, Balpo Pandita Deva Akarachandra, Hungdu Karpo, Dragpa Varendraruchi, Chel Lo Kunga Dorje, Kyi Konchog Bar, Je Gyaltsa Rinpoche, Tropu Lotsawa, Lhachen Sowang, Tropu Sonam Sengge, Yangtsewa, Buton Chenpo, [etc.]." (Taranata, Rinjung Gyatsa, page 1175-1176).
Jeff Watt 3-2015 [updated 6-2017]
Publications:
Chinnamasta: The Aweful Buddhist and Hindu Tantric Goddess. Elizabeth Anne Benard. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers (Pvt. Ltd), January 1994. (Book review).
Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms. Elizabeth English. Wisdom Publications, 2002. (Book review).
