Himalayan Art Resources

Mahakala: Panjarnata, Lord of the Pavilion (Main Page)

Panjarnata Masterworks

- Art History

- Iconography

- Religious Context


Videos:
- Panjarnata Mahakala
- A Powerful Painting of Mahakala
- Painting #24453
- Painting #87227

Panjaranata Mahakala is the protector for the Shri Hevajra cycle of Tantras. The iconography and rituals are found in the 18th chapter of the Vajra Panjara Tantra (canopy, or pavilion) a Sanskrit language text from India, and an exclusive 'explanatory tantra' to the Hevajra Tantra itself. It is from the name of this tantra that this specific form of Mahakala is known. 'Vajra Panjara' means the vajra enclosure, egg shaped, created from vajra scepters large and small - all sizes, completely surrounding a Tantric Buddhist mandala. The name of the Tantra is Vajra Panjara and the name of the form of Mahakala taught in this Tantra is also Vajra Panjara. The full name for the protector is Vajra Panjara Nata Mahakala.

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Jeff Watt 6-98 [updated 2-2010, 1-2017, 5-2017, 10-2017, 12-2019]