Vajradhara Mandala

Vajradhara mandala is hand-painted in Cotton Canvas in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is usually depicted in blue color in vajraparyanka posture. He has a crown, an Urna, and an Ushnisha as a Sambhogakaya Buddha.

Vajradhara is depicted at the center of the mandala. Vajradhara is also depicted in father-mother (Anju-Aji in Newari) aspect.

Iconography of Vajradhara

The name Vajradhara means the bearer of the lightning scepter. The inherent tradition of lightning representing transformation & energy originates 2,500 c. BCE. The term Vajra is a typical Sanskrit word being a composite of Va- meaning to bear or carry, JA or JA whose syllable denotes the energy & Ra meaning to rise, overcome, or power.

A vajra scepter is a special object that embodies the principle of change. Conjoined prongs at each end denote lightning bolts and they're being conjoined denotes latent self reacting energy. In effect as important to Buddhism as the Cross to Christianity.

The Vajra has four prongs enclosing a fifth central prong making five in total and at both ends. The tridents are another representation of the lightning more associated with Hinduism. Varjadhara's arms are crossed in a gesture of victory over the Three Worlds, with reference to the syllable 'Hum', & is seated in the lotus seat.

The lotus seat & the crossed arms mudra are together called the Skt. Vajrasana or Position of transcendent change. The white sash draped across Vajradharas chest represents the purity and essence of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism. In fact, Mahayana & Hinayana both arise from the ancient Vajrayana tradition of personal transformation.