Tsugtor Dukar – “Protector with the White Parasol”

This large scroll painting probably once hung in a temple. It shows Tsugtor Dukar – the “Protector with the White Parasol”. She is portrayed here in her manifestation with a thousand heads and a thousand arms, emphasising her boundless compassion and unlimited capacity to help. Her chief symbol, the white parasol, lies in one of her left hands, while a right hand holds the “wheel of teachings”. Attributes of compassion, protection, and help on the way of salvation can be seen in her remaining hands. She kicks away the obstacles on this path, which are represented here in the figures around her feet. In Tibetan Buddhism, such thangka scroll paintings are an important part of religious life. Prayers and wishes can be addressed to the figures depicted on them. They also serve as aids in teaching and meditation.