Figure of Mahakala on a mule. Tibet, ca. 1900

Figure of Mahakala on a mule. Tibet, ca. 1900.
Gilded and polychrome bronze.
Measurements: 19 cm (height).

Gilded bronze statuette of Mahakala astride a mule placed on a lotus-shaped base. He holds in the right hand the khadga and in the left hand the kapala.

Mahakala is one of the most important protector divinities in Vajrayana Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism) belonging to the group of Dharmapalas (Dharma protectors) of the angry type, called herukas. Mahakala is at the same time a yidam, a meditation deity. The word Mahakala derives from the Sanskrit maha ("great") and kala ("black"). The Tibetan name is Gonpo Phyag. In Japanese Buddhism it is known as Daikoku.
According to Tibetan tradition, he is an ancient demon who was converted by the Buddhas Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara into a Dharma protector. Tibetan tradition has it that Mahakala fights against evil in hell itself, his mission being to guide beings from darkness to light. Mahakala has the nature of Chenrezig despite his hellish appearance. He is also known as "lord of the wind" and with his aspect and angry form he protects the disciples and fulfills the function of helping to dissolve all kinds of obstacles and negativities that impede the spiritual path. These factors can be external or internal conditioning, such as fear, hatred, pride or envy. In the face of these factors, Mahakala protects the disciples and his fierce expression defeats these conditionings.