About Six-Armed Mahakala

Mahakala means “Great Black One” in Sanskrit. Six-Armed Mahakala is a wrathful emanation of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion. He is the special protector of the highest scope of the Lamrim or the Graduated Stages on the Path to Enlightenment. He is propitiated to aid in the study, contemplation and realisation of the highest scope of the teachings. He is said to aid practitioners to overcome negative situations, obstacles and to provide conducive conditions for having material resources and wealth to survive and thrive, as well as for our spiritual practice.

This enlightened Dharma protector who is also known as ‘The Great Black One’ is invoked by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Every part of his holy form has deep spiritual meaning, no matter how fearsome he looks. His five-skull crown symbolises the transformation of the five poisons - anger, desire, ignorance, jealousy and pride — into the five wisdoms. His six arms represent the attainment of the Six Perfections (Six Paramitas) - generosity, patience, morality, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. Overall, his wrathful appearance symbolises his power to help us overcome negativities, obstacles and provide conducive conditions for our spiritual practice.

Together with Kalarupa and Vaishravana, he is one of the three main protectors of Lama Tsongkhapa and the Gelug lineage.

Mahakala has 75 different forms, each an emanation of different Buddhas. As an enlightened Dharma protector he is invoked by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and beloved due to benefits of his practice which includes the removal of all types of obstacles for both secular and spiritual success.

Further Reading

• Protector of Compassion: Six-Armed Mahakala
• Dharma Protectors of Tibetan Buddhism

• Material: Copper, gold plated
• Height: 315 mm (12.4-in)
• Width: 240 mm (9.4-in)
• Depth: 140 mm (5.5-in)
• Weight: 4.9 kg (10.7 lb)