Vajrapani Trampling Snakes

This sculpture of Vajrapani is distinguished by the iconographic features characteristic of this wrathful deity: snakes and the bird-headed winged garuda at the top of the figure’s nimbus. The garuda, which is traditionally pitted against snakes in Indian iconography, is biting down on the heads of four snakes. The bodies of the snakes hang behind Vajrapani, and the tips of their tails emerge beneath his feet. Snakes bind themselves to Vajrapani’s body as necklaces, bracelets, and anklets; in his earrings; and around his red hair.