Mahakala: Raudrantaka (Killer of Rudra)
Mahakala Main Page Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
--- Sarma Traditions
--- Nyingma Traditions
- Masterworks
- Jonang Protector Deities
- Confusions: Draglha Gonpo
- Others...
Video: Raudrantaka Mahakala
Iconographic Forms:
- Nyo Tradition [p.167]
- Atisha Tradition
- Dagpo Tradition
- Jonang Tradition (maroon/purple)
- Kartaridhara
- Standing (maroon)
- Maning (Eunuch)
- Yak-faced
- Dog-faced Secret Accomplishment
- Others...
Raudrantaka (Trakshe, Killer of Rudra) is a sub-class of protector deities under the main class of Mahakala. It is possible that Raudrantaka is actually a sub-class under the class of Bhagavan (Legden). (See the Six Principal Categories of Mahakala).
There are a number of different forms of the protector deity Raudrantaka. The two faced, four armed form, riding a horse, is considered special for the Jonang Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism descending from the Nyo Family Tradition. Other forms have a single face and two arms. Some figures ride mounts while others stand in a wrathful posture. Many of them have an entourage of Karma Mahakala and Shri Devi along with a host of other accompanying figures, some with animal and bird faces.
Some of the forms of Raudrantaka belong to the Sarma traditions while others are Nyingma, and a few are likely to be 'Pure Vision' in origin. Many of the practices contain mantras that are mixed Sanskrit and Tibetan language. This is often an indication that the tradition is Tibetan in creation rather than having an Indian source.
Nyo Lineage: Vajradhara, Vajrapani, Brahmin Vararuchi, Dakini Determa, Balim Acharya, Nyo Lotsawa Yontan Dragpa [973-1113], Se Dorje Lama, Nyo Pal Le, Nyo Dragpa Pal, Nyo Sanggye Rechen, Lha Rinchen Wangyal, Khenchen Jangchub, Nyo Ziji Gyalpo, Nyenton Konchog Rinchen, Namkha Pal, Trulshig Kunrin, Jamyang Dorje Lama, Sonam Drub Gyal, Dragpa Ozer, Dragpa Wangchug, Lha Tenpa'i Gyaltsen, Drolchog, Jetsun Drag Topa Chenpo, [Taranata Kunga Nyingpo, 1575-1635], [etc.]. (yi dam rgya mtho'i sgrub thabs rin chen 'byun gnas).
Dagpo Lineage: Dana Samskrita, Danashila, Dragtung Nagpo, Vasudhara, Nub Sanggye Yeshe, // Gya shang Drom, Geshe Gyalug Chag Riwa, Gampopa [1079-1153], [etc]. (yi dam rgya mtho'i sgrub thabs rin chen 'byun gnas).
Jeff Watt [updated 6-2017, 4-2021]
Sonam Nyenda: Traksad Mahākāla: gnyos lugs ma
