Panjarnata Masterworks- Art History
- Iconography
- Religious Context
Videos:
- Panjarnata Mahakala
- A Powerful Painting of Mahakala (HAR #93578)
- Painting #24453
- Painting #87227
- The Meaning of Panjara
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.
The Sanskrit word 'panjara' can mean a canopy, enclosure or pavilion. The source text for this form of Mahakala is the Dakini Vajra Panjara Tantra [Toh 419]. Some publications have chosen to use the English term 'tent' or 'cage' however these terms do not in any way help to understand the meaning and use of 'panjara' with reference to Mahakala or Buddhist Tantra in general.
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Jeff Watt 6-98 [updated 2-2010, 1-2017, 5-2017, 10-2017, 12-2019]