Chakrasamvara - a Buddhist deity

This thangka depicts 12-armed Chakrasamvara in embrace with Vajravarahi, two important deities in Vajrayana Buddhism. Their appearance is semi-peaceful and semi-wrathful. A circle of flames is around them. This thangka is from Nepal, dated to the 19th century.

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The deity uses his front arms to hold Vajravarahi. His other arms are mostly holding weapons and a tiger skin which he drapes over his back. One of his right lower hand is in karana mudra, a gesture of dispelling demons.

The deity is holding his consort Vajravarahi in an embrace. She is depicted as bright red, wearing jewellery and with skulls on her diadem.

Chakrasamvara represents the male principle or bliss or 'right method' while Vajravarahi, also called Dakini and Vajrayogini  represents emptiness, wisdom and clear light.