Vajravarahi with Brahmanarupa Mahakala

Vajravarahi, or “Diamond Sow,” is red in color and has a sow’s head projecting from the side of her own, her distinguishing feature. In her right hand she brandishes a curved knife and her left holds a skull cup at the heart. In the bend of her left elbow she holds a tantric staff. Above Vajravarahi, King Indrabhuti is flanked by two important figures of the Sakya tradition, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158) and Tsarchen Losal Gyatso (1502-1566). At the bottom of the painting Mahakala in the form of a Brahman (Brahamanarupa) is surrounded by four ogresses of different colors.