Black Jambhala – The Wealth Deity
Black Jambhala Thangka Painting: Jambhala is a wealth deity whose blessings remove the obstacle of poverty, bringing wealth and abundance to pure Dharma practitioners. As it is difficult to attain spiritual realizations while afflicted by lack of resources, Jambhala generates prosperity so that practitioners have the time, energy, and means to accomplish. According to the Sutras, while Shakyamuni Buddha was teaching one day, demons tried to disturb and confuse the Buddha. Jambhala appeared in front of the Buddha and protected him. Recognizing Jambhala’s courageous action, the Buddha asked Jambhala if he would like to become a Dharma Protector in order to help all sentient beings. Jambhala accepted the Buddha’s offer, and since then he has offered immediate assistance to all who call his name or chant his mantra. His blessings bestow good luck, increase virtues, prolong life, increase intelligence, and provide both material and spiritual benefits.
Gesture and Attributes
There are five Jambhalas – yellow, white, black, green and red – of which yellow is the most common form. Each form has its own special significance and attributes.
Black Jambhala is depicted adorned with a crown, silk garments, and beautiful gold and jeweled ornaments in black or dark blue color, having the appearance of a dwarf, pot-bellied, without pierced ears, brown hair flowing upwards and bared fangs, adorned with the eight great Nagas like shown in this Black Jambhala Thangka Painting. The right hand holds a blood filled skull cup known as Kapala and the left hand holds a mongoose expelling jewels. The left leg is extended pressing upon the yellow lord of wealth, adorned with various gold ornaments, lying supine expelling various jewels from the mouth.
