The Indian Buddhist Iconography
by Benoytosh Bhattachacharyya | 1958 | 51,392 words | ISBN-10: 8173053138 | ISBN-13: 9788173053139
This page contains an iconography image of Vajrasattva and represents figure 41-42 of the book Indian Buddhist Iconography, based on extracts of the Sadhanamala English translation. These plates and illustrations represent either photographs of sculptures or line-drawing reproductions of paintings or other representations of Buddhist artwork.
Figure 41-42 - Vajrasattva
 Figure 41: Vajrasattva |
 Figure 42: Vajrasattva (Baroda museum) |
Vajrasattva, the Sixth Dhyāni Buddha, is regarded by the Nepal Buddhists as the priest of the Five Dhyāni Buddhas. He is not represented in the Stūpa like the other Dhyāni Buddhas, but independent shrines are dedicated to his worship. His worship is always performed in secret and is not open to those who are not initiated into the mysteries of Vajrayāna.
When represented singly, he is exhibited before the public. The Yab-yum form is generally kept secret. When represented in Yab-yum, he is closely associated with his Śakti who is generally known as Vajrasattvātmika. He carries the Vajra and the Ghaṇṭā in the same manner as when single, but the Śakti holds the Kartri in the right hand and the Kapāla in the left (Figs. 41, 42).
Colour: white;
Symbol: vajra and ghaṇṭā;