Bernagchen Mahakala – The Protector of the Karma Kagyu School
This protective deity is described as figures possessing stout bodies, short but thick and strong limbs. His flaming hair, decorated with a crown of skulls, rises from his forehead, while a circle of flames dance around him. His face possesses a typical wrathful expression. The mouth is contorted to an angry smile from its corners protrude long fangs. The protruding, bloodshot eyes have an angry and staring expression and usually a third eye is visible in the middle of the forehead.
Gestures and Attributes
In his right hand, he holds a chopper, which symbolizes the cutting through of negative patterns such as aggression, hatred, and ignorance. In his left hand, he holds a skull cup, a ritual element typically filled with blood or human brain matter. He is seen standing on the corpse of two human bodies, thus symbolizing the death of negativities and the complete uprooting of negative patterns to such a point that, like a dead body, they will not come to life.
Iconography
The two-armed Mahakala called Bernagchen is a protector of the Karma Kagyu School. It is often thought to be the primary protector, but it is actually the main protector of the Karmapas specifically.
About this Sculpture
Expertly cast from copper alloy and gilded with 24 karat gold, this statue is a beautiful portrayal of Bernagchen Mahakala. This sculpture was crafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.
