Vajrabhairava is considered the wrathful emanation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. He assumed this form to mirror back the terrifying appearance of the Lord of Death, Yama. Overpowered and subdued, Yama became a protector of the Buddhist faith. Vajrabhairava is also known as Yamantaka, the Destroyer or Slayer of Yama, in reference to his power to transform even the Lord of Death.

Vajrabhairava is a prominent deity in the Sakya Tibetan Buddhist tradition and one of the most important meditation deities in the Geluk tradition, which is prevalent in Mongolia. This form is based on a vision of the tradition’s founder, Tsongkhapa (1357–1419). In Mongolia Vajrabhairava’s practices helped supplant indigenous shamanistic exorcism rituals.

Vajrabhairava with Consort Vajravetali; Mongolia; 18th–19th century; gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.25.1 (HAR 68853)

Front Row of Arms

Pierces the concept of separation between subject and object

Crushes to dust instances of failed mindfulness

Cuts out the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara)

Chops off imprints of obscurations to the mind

Destroys the faults of actions of one’s body, speech, mind

Spears through wrong views on the nature of reality

Pierces preconception

Stands for working with great compassion

Denotes victory over the four internal and external obstacles known as the four maras

Represents proceeding to enlightenment as a practitioner

Encircles one’s mental continuum with pure wisdom

Signifies victory over the three worlds

References the “illusory body” achieved through tantric practices, which builds on the understanding of transience and the illusory nature of all phenomena

Sound of wisdom

Left and Right Back Rows of Arms

Destroys karmic obstacles

Symbolizes inner transformation in experiencing the inner heat practice (tummo)

Turns the wheel of Buddhist teachings (Dharma)

Represents being in the nature of the five wisdoms that cognize reality

Destroys avarice

Bestows the eight suprahuman powers or accomplishments (siddhis)

Invokes the buddhas and their wisdom

Performs the four activities (pacifying, increasing, controlling, wrathful subjugation)

Eliminates the veil of obstacles to wisdom

signifies directly realizing the emptiness of all phenomena

Exemplifies the possibility of developing clear light consciousness

References one’s mental continuum filled with compassion

Threatens the demons

Represents understanding the emptiness of the three liberations (emptiness, absence of characteristics, and desirelessness) as being one

Indicates that all things are transient, like illusions