Himalayan Art Resources

Buddhist Deity: Avalokiteshvara, Red (Rakta Lokeshvara)

Avalokiteshvara (Iconic Forms)

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- Solitary
- Seated/Standing
- With Retinue
- With Consort
- Mandala Forms
- Confusions
- Others...

Video: Red Avalokiteshvara

List of Red Forms:
- Guhyasamaja, Lokeshvara
- Jinasagara (Mitra)
- Jinasagara (Nyingma)
- Rato Macchendranath (Kathmandu)
- Shristhikantha
- Padmanata
- Rakta Lokeshvara
- Chintamani Lokeshvara
- Trailokyavijaya
- Vajradharma
- Ekadashamukha (Alchi Murals)
- Red with Consort (Pema Lingpa)
- Others...

There are at least 12 forms of red Avalokiteshvara in Himalayan art. The Jinasagara in a Sarma and Nyingma tradition and Shristhikanta are the most popular forms of red Lokeshvara in art. The Rato Macchendranath is a patron deity of the Kathmandu Valley and well represented in both painting and sculpture.

Images of the Jinasagara and the Shristhikantha Lokeshvara are not included in this gallery as they both have their own main pages and independent galleries.

Jeff Watt 8-2014 [Updated 1-2020, 10-2023]

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