Small Tibetan Bronze Image of Vajrapani-Acharya (Dharamapala)

This small but dynamic image of Vajrapani shown in his fierce Vajrapani-Acharya form (also known as Dharamapala) has been cast in bronze.

The deity is shown standing on a lotus petal base and trampling on two prone figures who represent ignorance. He holds aloft in his right hand a double vajra or thunderbolt attribute, which symbolises the power of compassion. He holds a bell (ghanta) in his left hand.

He has one head (sometimes he is depicted with several), a third eye, with hair raised, a crown of severed heads, and a fiery expression. His neck is adorned with a necklace of snakes, and with a tiger skin waist band suspended with severed heads.

The image is in fine condition. The consecration is intact. The copper plate that encloses the base is engraved with a double vajra symbol.