Five Deity Jinasagara Avalokiteshvara - Updated
From amongst the many different forms of Avalokiteshvara as a Tantric Deity, the form known as Jinasagara 'Ocean of Conquerors' also has many varieties of forms. There are three main iconographic features that distinguish the different forms of Jinasagara. First, Jinasagara is either in a (1) solitary appearance or he is embracing a consort, and second, (2) posture, he is either standing or seated, and then third (3) relates to the number of retinue figures that are depicted in the mandala. (See Jinasagara Outline Page).
Depending on the various lineages and traditions of practice, new and old, there can be minor differences in the hand objects of both Jinasagara and the consort. The number of arms depicted for the consort may either be two or four. Many of these slight differences are related to the late 'terma' discoveries in the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the last three hundred years.
The early forms of the deity are basically distinguished by (1) consort, (2) posture and (3) number of retinue figures in the mandala. The HAR website has two paintings depicting the Five Deity Jinasagara, both have been updated: HAR #696 with Iconographic Program and HAR #790 with Iconographic Program and Figures Numbered & Listed.