TIBET, 18TH CENTURY

The Shadbhuja (six-handed) form of Mahakala is a wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara. Mahasiddha Shavaripa is regarded as the first lineage-holder of this tradition, though the form was popularized in Tibet by the yogi Khyungpo Naljor in the 11th century, originally belonging to the Shangpa Kagyu School. The practice was later adopted by the Gelugpa Tradition and the deity came to be regarded as their main protector.