Mahakala

Mahakala is one of the most admired protectors in Tibetan Buddhism. He is one of the Eight Guardians of the Law, whose duty is to protect Buddhism against its enemies. He is always represented as a cruel and terrifying deity.  His purpose is to help in overcoming negative obstacles on the path to enlightenment.  Mahakala is a compassionate wrathful deity, he appears like a demon, but functions more like a guard. His aggression is essential; it enables him to destroy obstacles and negativities on the path to enlightenment. Mahakala commonly appears at the inner entrance of a temple. In the legend of Mahakala he was tamed by Avalokiteshvara. He is even considered to be a fierce form of that Bodhisattva of Compassion.

The Mahakala at Pusarong is pocked with small chips and scratches as well as splattered clay.  Restoring him to his original glory will require painstaking cleaning and retouching of lost fragments of color.

Cost to sponsor: $4,000

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