Explaining Dombi Heruka

Dombi Heruka is also known as Mahasiddha. Dombi Heruka is known as the Indian master of Tantric methods from the group of 84 famous Mahasiddhas. Dombi Heruka was a principal student of Virupa.

The Life of Dombi Heruka

In this portion, we are going to learn about the life of Dombi Heruka. And after that, we will learn about the short etymological description of the word Dombi Heruka itself.

Etymology of Dombi Heruka

Dombi Heruka is known as Ḍombipa in Sanskrit. Dombi Heruka was one of the eighty-four Mahasiddhas and Student of Virupa.

Earlier, we learn about the life of the Dombi Heruka. Now, we are going to learn about depicting Indian Adept Dombu Heruka.

Depicting Indian Adept Dombi Heruka

The thangka of Dombi Heruka is from Tibet. It is made in between 1800 – 1899 AD. Dombi Heruka is from Buddhist lineage. The size of the painting is 66.68×45.09cm. The base of the painting is Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton. Presently, this painting is in the Rubin Museum of Art.

By depicting this thangka, we will learn how Dombi Heruka presented with Vajradhara Buddha, Sarah, and Naropa, etc.

Vajradhara Buddha

Vajradhara Buddha is at the center of the thangka. He is surrounded by 84 Arhats. This thangka along with Saraha belongs to a set of seven thangkas portraying all 84 great Indian Adepts.  Each of them is surrounded by 12, 11, and 11 adepts respectively.

Sarah and Naropa

Sarah and Naropa are on the left side of the thangka. Again looking towards the Vajradhara who is surrounded by 12, 11, and 11 adepts respectively. The total thangka of all adepts including the central figures, excluding Vajradhara, comes to 84 Indian Adepts.

Earlier, we learn about the life of the Dombi Heruka and depicting Indian Adept Dombu Heruka. Now, we are going to learn about Dombi Heruka with Vajrapani.

Dombi Heruka with Vajrapani Thangka

The thangka of Dombi Heruka withVajrapani is from Eastern Tibet. It is made in between 1800 – 1899 AD. Dombi Heruka with Vajrapani is from Uncertain lineage. The size of the painting is 30.48×45.72cm. The base of the painting is Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton. This painting is from the Shelley & Donald Rubin’s collection.

By depicting this thangka, we will learn about Dombi Heruka.

In a dynamic embrace, Dombi Heruka is with one face and two hands gaze intently with large eyes at the face of the light-skinned consort. In the right hand of Dombi Heruka held upraised is a writhing green black-spotted snake that serves as a riding whip. The left-arm of Dombi Heruka cradles the consort in the hand a skullcup filled with nectar.

The hair of Dombi Heruka is piled on the crown of the head and tied with a red ribbon. Dombi Heruka is adorned with one ornament of a white skull at the front.  Dombi Heruka has worn gold and jewel earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets further adorn the couple.

Dombi wears a red loincloth and the consort raising a white skullcup in the left hand also carries a corpse across the thigh. Atop a fierce tiger with the head turned back to feast with the eyes on the amorous couple. They ride without concern in an idyllic forest setting of mating birds in the foreground and waterfowl sporting in the dark blue pond behind.

Dombi Heruka along with Kanha were the two main students of Mahasiddha Virupa. At the top center of the Dombi Heruka, there is the peaceful bodhisattva Vajrapani. Vajrapani is blue in color with one face and two hands.

The right hand of the Dombi Herukais placed at the heart holds the stem of a white lotus flower supporting an upright gold vajra standing on the full blossom. The left hand of Dombi Heruka there is extended across the left knee in a leisurely manner.  He Adorned with a crown, gold and jewel ornaments, flowing silks of various colors.

Dombi Heruka sits in a relaxed posture with the left leg pendant atop a moon disc and white lotus flower. Dombi Heruka is radiating a nimbus of rainbow light.

Earlier, we learn about the life of the Dombi Heruka,  depicting Indian Adept Dombu Heruka, and representation of Dombi Heruka with Vajrapani. Now, we are going to learn about the presentation of Dombi Heruka with Virupa.

Dombi Heruka with Virupa Thangka

The thangka of Dombi Heruka withVirupa is from  Tibet. It is made in between 1700 – 1799 AD. Dombi Heruka with Vajrapani is from  Karma (Kagyu) and Buddhist lineage.  The base of the painting is Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton.

By depicting this thangka, we will learn about Dombi Heruka with Mahasiddha figure,  and Red Heruka figure, etc.

Dombi Heruka is a consort in Mahasiddha’s appearance. Dombi Heruka is ride atop a pregnant tigress. Dombi Heruka is holding snake whips and skullcups.

Dombi Heruka and Kanha were the two principal students of Mahasiddha Virupa. Kanha received a gradual method of Path and Result. And Dombi Heruka received the Sudden Enlightenment Path and Result.

Mahasiddha figure

Mahasiddha figure is at the upper left of Dombi Heruka in the thangka.  Mahasiddha figure is accompanied by two female attendants.

Red Heruka figure

Red Heruka figure is at the lower right of the Dombi Heruka in the thangka.  Red Heruka figure from the Tantric cycle known as the Lama Gongdu.

Earlier, we learn about the life of the Dombi Heruka,  depicting Indian Adept Dombu Heruka, a representation of Dombi Heruka with Vajrapani. and representation of Dombi Heruka with Virupa. Now we are going to learn about Dombi Heruka with Naropa.

Dombi Heruka with Naropa Thangka

The thangka of Dombi Heruka with Naropa is from Tibet. It is made in between 1700 – 1799 AD. Dombi Heruka with Naropa is from Buddhist lineage. The size of the painting is 82.50×55.80cm. The base of the painting is Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton.

By depicting this thangka, we will learn  about Dombi Heruka.

Saraha, Dombi Heruka, Naropa, and Virupa is the from the group of Eighty-four great Mahasiddha of India according to the system of Vajrasana. Dombi Heruka is spreading a mat to cross the Ganges. Dombi Heruka is riding a tiger.

In the form of a dancer, Dombi Heruka in the Brahmin race. Dombi Heruka is on the glorious mountain. Dombi Heruka is stopping and reversing the great river. Dombi Heruka is grasping the sun and Putting it in the navel.

Earlier, we learn about the life of the Dombi Heruka,  depicting Indian Adept Dombu Heruka, a representation of Dombi Heruka with Vajrapani. and representation of Dombi Heruka with Virupa. And Finally, we learn about the representation of Dombi Heruka with Naropa.

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