CHANDAMAHAROSHANA-TRADITIONAL BUDDHIST PAINTINGS

CHANDAMAHAROSHANA
Chandamaharoshana, meaning the “Extremely Violent and Wrathful One,” is a fierce aspect of the blue Akshobhya Buddha, also known as Achala. The Chandamaharoshana Tantra belongs to the Anuttarayoga or ‘Supreme Yoga’ Tantra of the ‘father-tantra’ class, emphasizing skillful means. With origins in early India, this Tantra employs highly esoteric sexual symbolism expressed in the ‘twilight language. Its practice remains popular in the Newar Buddhist tradition, while Achala is recognized as one of the Ten Wrathful Ones in Vajrayana Buddhism. In Japan’s Shingon Tradition, he is revered as Fudo Myo-o, one of the ‘thirteen deities.’ This visionary Newar paubha painting, created by Raj Prakash Tuladhar, depicts the powerful form of Chandamaharoshana and his consort, Mamaki, set within a symbolic landscape.

INTRODUCTION TO THANGKA
A thangka, also known as tangka, thanka, or tanka, is a vibrant and intricate Tibetan Buddhist painting that serves as a visual representation of spiritual teachings. Crafted with meticulous detail on cotton or silk appliqué, thangkas depict a wide range of subjects including Buddhist deities, sacred scenes, mandalas, and narrative stories. These sacred artworks are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up for storage, resembling ancient scrolls. To protect their delicate nature, thangkas are mounted on textile backings and often adorned with a silk cover on the front. Proper preservation in dry environments is crucial to maintain the integrity and longevity of the silk.