Vajrakilaya

Description

Vajrakilaya is the deity of the magic Thunder-nail which has one sharp pointed and three pointed blades. The one pointed focus is a concerted mindfulness on the unity and interdependence of all dharmas. The three pointed blades represent delusion, attachment and aversion transformation. Vajrakilaya is a favoured tantric archetypal deity embraced by the Nyingmapa. A common manifestation of Vajrakilaya has three heads, six arms, and four legs. Vajrakilaya’s three right hands, except for the right front one, holds vajras with five and nine prongs. The right front one makes a mudra as granting boons with open palm. Vajrakilaya’s three left hands hold a flaming triple wish fulfilling jewel or triratna, a trident and the kilaya. Vajrakilaya’s back is covered by the freshly flayed skin of the elephant representing ‘ignorance’ with the legs tied in front. A human skin is tied diagonally across his chest with the hands lying flat on Vajrakilaya’s stomach. This deity wears manifold Naga (serpent) adornments and jewelry: naga earrings, naga bracelets, naga anklets and a naga cord over his chest, sometimes referred to as a naga gurdle and a naga hairpiece or hair ornament. Vajrakilaya’s faces are round and small compared to the tall body. Despite the large fangs and bulging eyes and his wrathful appearance, Vajrakilaya is perceived as having a benevolent demeanor.