Pabjara Mahakala
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

 

Pabjara Mahakala is a "heavenly great black" protective deity of the Sakya sect in Tibet. The Mongols and Tibetans believed that Pabjara Mahakala was the "Meritorious Official Opening the Dynasty" for the Yuan. It is said that Khubilai Khan once asked his imperial precept (the high Tibetan monk) Phagspa, "Should I attack Kiangnan (China's south) now?" Phagspa responded, "I will ask for an auspicious sign." He thereupon ordered the imperial artist Arniko to have a Mahakala hall constructed in Hopeh. When the image of Mahakala was finished, "it faced south towards Kiangnan." Phagspa himself adding the finishing touches. It is said that the Yuan armies were able to advance south and destroy the remaining forces of the Sung dynasty. Mahakala thus became established in China proper and its popularity in art spread.