Mahakala
Mahakala is a wrathful manifestation of Shiva Bhairava, taken up in an Esoteric Buddhist context as a fierce manifestation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara as guardian of the dharma (Buddhist law) and the sangha (community of monks and nuns). He is shown here enthroned on a lotus cushion—another supports his pendant foot—wielding a sword and trident and displaying a skull cup (kapala); his missing fourth hand likely held the flaying knife. He wears a skull diadem with radiating flames. A skull garland is slung around his waist, and snakes form his sacred cord and armbands. A kneeling couple, presumably the donors who commissioned the icon, make an offering below. A Sanskrit inscription in proto-Bengali script identifies them: it states, in part, “this is the pious gift of Dahapati.”
Artwork Details
- Title: Mahakala
- Period: Pala period
- Date: 11th–12th century
- Culture: India, Bihar
- Medium: Black stone
- Dimensions: H. 23 1/8 in. (58.7 cm); W. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm); D. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
On plinth: H. 27 5/8 in. (70.2 cm); W. 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm); D. 5 7/16 in. (13.8 cm) - Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Samuel Eilenberg, in memory of Anthony Gardner, 1996
- Object Number: 1996.465
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
India (Bihar or West Bengal) or Bangladesh
11th–12th century
Eastern India (Bihar)
11th–12th century
India (Bihar, probably Nalanda)
11th century
India (Bihar)
12th century
India, Bihar
12th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.