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Video: Bhagavat Class of Mahakala Deities
Types of Bhagavat Mahakala:
- Three Brother Lords (Sakya Tradition)
- Three Brother Lords [Mahakala], Sitatapatra Retinue Figures
- Bernagchen Mahakala
- Danda Mahakala
- Kartaridhara Mahakala
- Maning Mahakala
- Raudrantaka Mahakala
- Vyaghra Vahana Mahakala
- Yutog Nyingtig Mahakala
- Rinjung Lhantab
- Others...
Bhagavat is a classification of Mahakala like Panjarnata, Chaturbhuja and Shadbhuja. This form of Mahakala (Bhagavan, Bhagavat) has traditionally been referred to by Western scholars as Danda Mahakala. The Tibetan word 'beng' has been translated back into the original Sanskrit as both 'gandi' and 'danda'. Both Sanskrit words refer to a wooden staff or stick, although each has a more precise meaning defining the type of staff or stick, and its precise use.
Legden Mahakala in general has a wrathful 'raksha' appearance with one face and two hands. He wears a heavy cloak and robes along with felt-like boots typical of Tibetan indigenous deities and mountain gods. It is possible that forms of Legden mahakala are cross-over deities partially of Indian origin and partially of Tibetan creation. Heavily robed Mahakala figures were popular at Densatil Monastery as both stupa decorations and as stand alone shrine sculpture. This form of Mahakala appearance is also popular and widespread in the 'Revealed Treasure' traditions of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.