Two – Armed Mahakala Thangka Art

Iconography of 2 Armed Mahakala

The two-armed Mahakala called Bernakchen is a protector of the Karma Kagyu school. It is often thought to be the primary protector, but it is actually the main protector of the Karmapas specifically.

This protective deity is described as figures possessing stout bodies, short but thick, and strong limbs. His flaming hair, decorated with a crown of skulls, rises from his forehead, while a circle of flames dances around him. His face possesses a typical wrathful expression.

The mouth is contorted to an angry smile from its corners protrude long fangs. The protruding, bloodshot eyes have an angry and staring expression and usually, a third eye is visible in the middle of the forehead.

In his right hand, he holds a chopper, which symbolizes the cutting through of negative patterns such as aggression, hatred, and ignorance.

In his left hand, he holds a skull cup, a ritual element typically filled with blood or human brain matter.

He is seen standing on the corpse of two human bodies, thus symbolizing the death of negativities and the complete uprooting of negative patterns to such a point that, like a dead body, they will not come to life.

Mantra of Mahakala

1. Om Mahakalaye Soha.
2. Om Benza Nara Trim Trim Hung Hung Phet Phet Soha
3.  Om Mahalakaya Deva-Raksha Samaya Ho Balim Te Khahi