Mahakala: Chaturbhuja, Four-hands (Betapala)
Chaturbuja IconographySubjects, Topics & Types:
- Explanation (below)
- Confusions
- Others...
The special characteristic of this tradition is the coconut that can resemble a heart held in the right hand. Sometimes the hand only holds the coconut while at other times the artist also depicts a curved knife along with the coconut. This form of the deity is also referred to as the Tsal Tradition which is named after Lama Shang Yudragpa Tsondru Dragpa (1122-1193 [Tbrc P1857]). He is also known as Gungtang Lama Shang and Shang Rinpoche.
Lineage 1: Vajradhara, Nagarjuna Garbha, Aryadeva, Tayang Vajrasana, Abhayakara, Tsami, Gvalo, Pagdru, Tangpa, Ratna Nata, Sanggye Yarjon, Sanggye Palzang, Ratna Guru, Ratna Kara, etc.
Lineage 2: Vajradhara, Vajrapani, Indrabhuti, Lakshminkara, Lu'i Bu Tubpama, Rahulabhadra, Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Tayang, Kalachakrapada, [Abhaya, Tsami], etc.
Lineage 3: Vajrayogini, Ghantapa, Anangavajra, Lalitavajra, Kalachakrapada, Abhaya, Tsami, Gvalo, Shang Tsalpa, etc. (Rinjung Gyatsa, pages 16801218 - 16801220).
Jeff Watt 10-2015 [updated 8-2017]
