Himalayan Art Resources

Subject: Kila Lower Body

Kila 'Purba' Deity Page

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Video: Deities with a Kila Lower Body

Deity Figures with a kila lower body:
- Vajrakila (Nyingma)
- Panjara Mahakala (Nyingma)
- Guru Dragpur (Nyingma, Drugpa Kagyu)
- Black Hayagriva (Nyingma)
- Red Hayagriva (Sarma, Nyingma)
- Simhamukha (Sarma, Nyingma)
- Rakta Yamari (Nyingma, Drigung)
- Yamari (Multiple Faced, multiple armed, Nyingma)
- Dilgo Khyentse Treasure (Nyingma)
- Purba Drugse Chempa (Bon Religion)
- Others...

A purba (Tibetan: phur ba. Sanskrit: kila) is a three edged peg usually made from metal or wood. They are sometimes described as daggers with three blades. The best of the metal ones are constructed from meteorite iron. Sandalwood is also popular. The principal deity associated with the purba is Vajrakila. These purbas generally have three faces at the top and crowned with a half vajra. Alternately a specific type of purba is connected with the practice of Hayagriva. This purba has a horse head at the top rather than a half vajra, although it should be noted that in Hayagriva's iconographic depictions he does not hold a purba. The Nyingma lamas Dorje Dudjom and Jatson Nyingpo are generally shown with the left hand thrusting a purba downward. The Bon religion also uses the purba as a deity, Purba Drugse Chempa, and a ritual object. These can generally be identified as having multiple heads with the top crowned with a garuda - the king of birds along with a total absence of a full or half vajra. See Purba bibliography.

Jeff Watt 9-2019 [updated 11-2019]

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