Niguma – The Lady of Illusion
Niguma was a great yogini and female Tantric master who lived during the 11th century. She was a Dakini who defied social conventions by being one of the few influential female lineage holders of ancient India to have proliferated an important Tantric lineage. Niguma was closely related to Guru Naropa; it is believed that Niguma received teachings on the Six Yogas from Naropa. The corpus of her teachings have become the foundation of the Shangpa Kagyu Buddhist tradition. The Shangpa Kagyu is hailed as one of the “Eight Great Chariots of the Practice Lineages” which means that it is one of the most important Buddhist traditions brought from India to Tibet. The legacy of the great yogini Niguma as a meditator, teacher, mystic, and founder of a lineage endures to this day.
Gesture and Attributes
Niguma is depicted as a black Dakini in semi wrathful form with three eyes including the one in the center of her forehead. She wears crown made from skulls, necklaces, armlets and anklets. Her right hand holds a Damaru and her left hand holds a Kapala filled with blood. She also holds a Khatvanga similar to that of Vajrayogini.
About this Niguma Thangka Scroll Painting
This is a Tibetan Style Thangka Scroll Painting which is entirely hand painted by the experienced artisan using same ancient techniques. This Niguma Thangka Scroll Painting is hand painted on cotton canvas with 24 karat gold detailing; by the artisans of Patan in Nepal who have been in the business from generations.
