Yamantaka & Vajra Vetali in Tantric Dance: Wood, Nepal, 21st Century

Yamantaka & Vajra Vetali in Tantric Dance: Wood, Nepal, 21st Century 

This is the wrathful manifestation of Manjushri known as the destroyer of death.

Within Buddhism, "terminating death" is a quality of all Buddhas as they have stopped the cycle of rebirth, 'samsara'. 

Yamāntaka represents the goal of the Mahayana practitioner's journey to enlightenment, or the journey itself: On final awakening, one manifests Yamāntaka – the ending of death.

Devotionally carved of wood he is depicted here with his consort Vajravetali - the wrathful form of Sarasvati, in tantric dance while riding a water buffalo - the symbol of strength.

Together they clear the path towards Enlightenment.

Size: 16.5” tall x 14”across x 4.5” deep

(09/07#2)