Buddhist Deity: Takkiraja Main Page
Power Deities PageSubjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- Masterworks
- Secondary Figure in Paintings
- Three Great Red Ones
- Thirteen Golden Dharmas Page
- Confusions: Primary Figure, Secondary Figure
- Others...
Video: Takkiraja, King of Desire
Study Topics:
- Traditions
- Primary Figure:
—- Solitary
—- With Consort
- Secondary Figure:
—- Ten Wrathful Ones
—- Mandala Retinue Figure
- Shadbhuja Mahakala Retinue Figure
- Nyingma ‘Revealed Treasure’
The most common form of Takkiraja (tib. dod pa'i rgyal po), sometimes referred to as Kamaraja, found in art is that of a Power Deity. With one face and two arms, he is red in colour embracing a consort. In this form he arises from the Guhyasamaja Tantra. The source Sanskrit text titled Kali Chakra Surya Washa Nama is from Jetari, followed by Vajrasana to the Indian Pandit Sthavira and then translated by Bari Lotsawa Rinchen Drag (1040–1111). There are a number of different forms and traditions for Takkiraja. The group of the Ten Wrathful Deities also include a Takkiraja as does the retinue of Shadbhuja Mahakala of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition.
"...Mahakrodha Takkiraja with a body red in colour, like ruby, blazing with light like the disc of the sun. With one face, two hands and three eyes, the right holds aloft a hook to gather in the Three Realms, the left holds a noose to the heart in a wrathful gesture. Standing in a manner with the right leg drawn in and the left extended; having long hair tied in a top knot, adorned with jewels and snakes and wearing a red silk upper garment and various silks as a lower garment, in the lap is the mother, Sukha Bharati. With a body red in colour, one face, two hands and three eyes, the right is holding aloft a hook and the left holds a nectar filled vase and embraces the Father. The right foot is extended and the left in the manner of embracing the Father; adorned with jewel ornaments and a wearing a red silk upper garment and various silk lower garments. Both the Father and Mother stand in the middle of a blazing fire of pristine awareness." [Written by Ngorchen Konchog Lhundrub (1497-1557). sGrub Thabs Kun bTus, vol.8, folios 587-607. Translated September 1985].
Sakya Lineage:
Vajradhara, Vajradharma, Sukha Barata Daki, Jetari, Rolpai Dorje, Desheg Sungwa, Vajrasana the Two, Bari Lochen, Khonton Tsewa Che, Jetsun Kuche, Sapan, Sonam Bum, Shontsul Tsulgyal, Ngagwang Jangsem, Yeshe Gyaltsen, Ngorchen Dorje Chang, Konchog Pel, Lhachog Sanggye Seng, Tartse Pnchen Namkha Rinchen, Namkha Palzang, Sherab Gyatso, Sanggye Puntsog, Tendzin Lhundrub, Namkha Samdrub, Kunga Lodro, Namkha Chime Pal, [Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo]. (Volume 8, folio 621).
Rinjung Gyatsa Lineage: Vajradhara, Vajrasana, [Gyagar Pandita] Sthavira, Baripa, Chag Tangpa, Five Superiors, Zhonnu Bum, Pagton Zhonnu Tsultrim, Lama Tsultrim Gyaltsen, Pangtonpa, Shergyampa, Raton Yontan Palzang, Jetsun Lhawang Dragpa, [etc.]. (Alternate): Tsul Gyalwa, Lama Ngagwangpa, Sharchen, Ngorchen, [etc.]. (yi dam rgya mtsho'i sgrub thabs rin chen 'byung gnas, Jonang rJe bTsun Taranatha, folio 270).
Jeff Watt 2-2009 [updated 1-2025]
(bod brgyud nang bstan lha tshogs chen mo bzhugs so, 2001. ISBN 7-5420-0816-1. Page 797, 801-802).
