Buddhist Deity: Jambhala Iconography

Jambhala Main Page

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- List of Deities
- White
- Yellow (Siddhaikavira, Guhyasamaja & miscellaneous tantras)
- Red (Chakrasamvara & other tantras)
- Black
- Green (Kalachakra tantra)
- Multi-coloured: Namcho Tradition, Katog Tradition
- Jambhala in the Rinjung Lhantab
- Confusions: Vaishravana, Shanglon, Kubera, Five Jambhalas
- Others...

Videos:
- Jambhala: Deity of Wealth
- Kubera, Who Am I?
- Five Jambhala Confusion

Jambhala Appearances:
- King Appearance: Yellow & Green Jambhala
- Peaceful Appearance
- Semi-peaceful/wrathful Appearance: Red Jambhala
- Wrathful Appearance: Black Jambhala, White Jambhala

"Yellow Jambhala with one face and two hands. The right [hand] holds a bijapuraka [fruit] and the left a mongoose with jewels showering down. [With] two feet pressing down on a conch and lotus treasure. Adorned with a blue utpala garland and jewel ornaments." (Konchog Lhundrub, 1497-1557. From the One Hundred Methods of Accomplishment).

"...the Lord Jambhala, with a body black in colour, having the appearance of a dwarf, pot-bellied, without pierced ears, brown hair flowing upwards and bared fangs, adorned with the eight great nagas. The right hand holds a blood filled skullcup and the left a mongoose expelling various jewels. The right leg is extended pressing upon the yellow Lord of Wealth, adorned with various gold ornaments, lying supine expelling various jewels from the mouth." (Ngorchen Konchog Lhundrub, 1497-1557).

"Jambhala Father-Mother: The Father has a body red in colour, one face, two hands and three eyes. Adorning the top of the head is a precious brilliant jewel. The right hand holds the precious jewel 'King of Power,' and the left a mongoose filled [with jewels] and spewing [them forth]; holding the Mother in the mudra of embrace. With the right leg straight and the left bent, in the lap is the Mother Bharati with a body red in colour, one face and two hands. The right holds a precious jewel blazing with light, raining jewels on the practitioner. The left holds a nectar filled skullcup and embraces the Father. Both are in a mood of fierceness and desire increasing great bliss" (Drub Thab kun btus).

"...Red Jambhala with three faces, six hands and four legs. The body is red in colour, like ruby, and blazing with light. Beautiful and desirous in appearance, slightly fierce and smiling. The main face is red - laughing, the right white and left blue. The first pair of hands hold a precious gem and a jewel filled skullcup. The middle two a hook and lasso. The lowest two each [hold] a mongoose spewing various jewels. The two right legs are bent and the two left slightly straight; pressing on the male and female lords of wealth. Adorned with the eight great snakes and various jewels and a garland of flowers and fluttering ribbons." (Terdag Lingpa Gyurme Dorje (1646-1714) and Min-ling Lochen Dharmashri 1654-1718. Tibetan source text 'dod 'jo bum bzang pp. 353-354).

Database Search: All Images | Painting | Sculpture

Jeff Watt [updated 5-2019]

(The images below are only a selection of examples from the links above).