Mahakala may appear wrathful, but his appearance is an expression of his intense compassion. He is shown surrounded by a blazing aura of “wisdom fire” that burns away ignorance and ego. This Thangka is traditionally hung in homes and temples to protect the space from negative energies and to provide the practitioner with courage.

• About the Painting & Process: Painting a wrathful deity requires a different energy from the artist, often characterised by bold, sweeping brushstrokes for the flames and highly detailed, fine work on the symbolic ornaments, such as the crown of skulls. The canvas is treated specifically to handle the heavy layering of dark pigments required for Mahakala’s body.

• Colours & Materials: The deep, powerful blue of his body is achieved using Lapis Lazuli, while the fiery background is painted with vermillion red and bright mineral orange. Gold is used sparingly but effectively to highlight his third eye and ritual weapons.