Vajrapani, dark blue in color, is depicted with one face and two hands, taking the wrathful form of a raksha—a powerful daemon figure from classical Indian mythology. He has three wide, glaring eyes, a gaping mouth with sharp canine teeth, and vivid orange beard, eyebrows, and hair that rise like flames. His body is stocky, fleshy, and strong, reflecting immense spiritual power.

He is adorned with:

• A crown of five skulls with red pendants

• Gold earrings, bone necklaces, bracelets, anklets

• A large green snake wrapped around him

• A long green scarf

• A tiger-skin lower garment tied with a green sash

Vajrapani’s posture is dynamic: the right leg is bent, and the left is extended, standing above a sun disc and multi-colored lotus. He appears amidst a blazing fire of pristine awareness, symbolizing the energy of enlightenment burning away delusion.

In front of him is an offering display: framed between two ivory elephant tusks, a variety of wishing jewels rest on a simple green landscape, painted in a style typical of Eastern Tibet.

Vajrapani is one of the Three Family Protectors in Mahayana Buddhism, along with:

• Avalokiteshvara (compassion)

• Manjushri (wisdom)

He is the protector of the Vajra (Thunderbolt) Family, which includes Akshobya (the head of this family) and Yamantaka. Vajrapani, whose name means “Holder of the Thunderbolt,” represents the energy of the enlightened mind—a force that breaks through ignorance and illusion.

He dances wildly within a halo of flames, symbolizing the transformative power of awakening. In his right hand, he holds a vajra (thunderbolt), a symbol of indestructible energy and the ability to shatter delusions.