Tantric Deities Hevajra and Nairatmya in Ritual Embrace (Yab-Yum)
by Unknown Artist, 1595
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1595
- Medium
- Gilt bronze with pigments
- Size
- 50.2 × 33 × 17.9 cm (19 3/4 × 13 × 7 in.)
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This large gilt bronze with pigments from the late 16th-century Kathmandu Valley depicts Hevajra and Nairatmya in yab-yum (father-mother) embrace. Hevajra is the principal tantric deity of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. He appears with eight faces, sixteen arms, and four legs. His sixteen arms hold skull cups containing eight animals (right) and eight worldly gods (left), representing sixteen types of emptiness.
His four legs trample the four maras (obstacles to enlightenment), depicted as Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra, representing Buddhism's supersession of Hindu theology. His consort Nairatmya means "Lady of Emptiness," embodying transcendent wisdom. At about 20 by 13 inches, this is a substantial piece of Nepalese tantric art. It's at the Art Institute of Chicago.
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About Tantric Deities Hevajra and Nairatmya in Ritual Embrace (Yab-Yum)
The principal tantric deity of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, depicted with eight faces, sixteen arms, and four legs. His sixteen skull cups represent sixteen types of emptiness. His name is associated with "Supreme Joy."
His four legs trample the four maras (obstacles to enlightenment), depicted as Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra. This symbolizes Buddhism's claim to supersede Hindu theology on the path to liberation.
"Lady of Emptiness." She embodies transcendent wisdom (prajna) and represents the understanding of shunyata (emptiness of inherent existence). Her union with Hevajra symbolizes the complete integration of wisdom and compassion.
At the Art Institute of Chicago. About 20 by 13 inches in gilt bronze with pigments.
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