Virupa: The Unconventional Life and Miracles of a Wandering Yogi

The eighth-century Indian tantric master Virupa is one of the most revered mahasiddhas. Mahasiddhas were a semi-mythical group of tantric masters, both male and female, who lived in medieval India. In tantric Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism they were renowned not only for their extraordinary meditative powers but also for their unconventional lifestyles, which included dwelling in charnel grounds, drinking alcohol, and revelling. Mahasiddhas are a popular subject throughout Himalayan art, including many objects in the Rubin’s collection.

Virupa started as a monk in a monastery, but after allegations of scandalous behavior, he left to live as a wandering yogi, eventually becoming a mahasiddha. He is known for his seemingly magical ability to intervene in otherwise ordinary events. The captivating tales about him aren’t just entertaining—they symbolize some foundational Buddhist concepts, such as letting go of the ego and fear. He is celebrated as a master of tantric teachings that were transmitted to Tibet and became the defining instructions for Tibet’s Sakya Buddhist tradition, which were also transmitted to other traditions.

During the time that Virupa followed strict monastic discipline and engaged in intense meditation, he experienced no significant breakthroughs. But when he gave up conventional practices and let go of formal appearances, his ability to perform miracles was revealed. Even his appearance defies convention—Virupa is often portrayed in Himalayan art as a figure with mostly bare skin, bulging eyes, a rotund figure, and a bushy beard.

One of Virupa’s most memorable deeds took place after he left the monastery and found himself at the bank of the Ganges river accompanied by several monks who had followed him. In an effort not to pollute the river with his scandal, he parted the river waters and walked across without touching the water. Upon seeing this miraculous feat, the monks asked Virupa to return to the monastery, but he refused. Instead, he set out to live as a wandering yogi and ascetic, performing many legendary miracles throughout India.

The painting above portrays his most iconic episode—a story about an epic drinking spree. Virupa made a deal with the tavern proprietor to settle the bill at sunset. To avoid paying his bar tab, he used his great meditative powers to stop the sun from setting and kept drinking, but without getting intoxicated. This went on for several days until a local ruler, fearful the nonstop sunshine would cause a drought, paid Virupa’s bill. This event illustrated both his extraordinary powers and the unconventional path he chose to follow.

Read more about Virupa on Project Himalayan Art.