Heruka in Yab-Yum Form
unknown (Nepalese)
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Alternate file
Alternative Title
Hevajra and Vajravarahi
Date
1544Description
Overall view on lotus base; Heruka is one of the most popular deities of the Buddhist pantheon. Here he is shown in physical union (the Yab-yum form) with his prajna Vajravarahi. Heruka is known as Hevajra or Samvara when shown in association with his female counterpart, with two, four, six or sixteen arms. Yab-yum represents the primordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male deity in sexual union with his female consort. The male figure represents compassion and skillful means, while the female partner represents insight. In this sculpture the Buddhist deities trample the Hindu Bhairava and Kalaratri, who symbolize obstacles, in an obvious display of sectarianism. In the later Malla period (1482-1769) there is an increased interest on the part of patrons in multi-limbed figures of Tantric deities from both the Buddhist and the Hindu pantheons, reflecting the prevalence of Tantric cults in these religions. Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.oxfordartonline.com/ (accessed 4/9/2015)
Type of Work
sculpture (visual work)Subject
deities, Buddhism and art, Nepalese (culture or style)
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only