Six-Armed Mahakala 18K Gold Dual-Sided Hand-Painted Gau Pendant Rebgong Tibetan Thangka · Ritual Protector Deity · 26 *21mm

Product Overview

This circular Six-Armed Mahakala (Mahākāla) Gau pendant is an authentic work of Rebgong (Regong) Tibetan thangka art, entirely hand-painted with 18K gold on both sides.

The front depicts the powerful six-armed Mahakala in his classic wrathful protector form, revered in Vajrayana Buddhism for safeguarding the Dharma and removing obstacles.
The back presents Mahakala holding the skull cup (Kapala) and Vajra chopper (Kartika)—a complete and profound ritual combination symbolizing the transformation of afflictions through wisdom.

Encased in a traditional Tibetan Gau (Ghau) box with a sapphire crystal protective cover, this pendant is created for practitioners, collectors, and those who value authentic Himalayan religious art rooted in lineage and craftsmanship.

The Deity: Six-Armed Mahakala

Six-Armed Mahakala is one of the most important Dharma Protectors in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Rather than representing benevolent comfort, Mahakala embodies decisive compassion—the force that confronts confusion, attachment, and harmful patterns directly.

The six arms symbolize mastery over the six realms of existence, emphasizing Mahakala’s role in confronting suffering at its root and transforming adversity into disciplined clarity.

This form is traditionally associated with:

• Protection of Buddhist teachings and practitioners

• Removal of inner afflictions and external hindrances

• Strength, stability, and unwavering resolve on the spiritual path

Symbolism of the Skull Cup and Vajra Chopper

(Kapala & Kartika – Combined Iconography)

In Vajrayana tradition, Mahakala’s function as a supreme protector is inseparable from his ritual implements, especially the skull cup (Kapala) and Vajra chopper (Kartika).
Their combined appearance represents a core tantric principle:
using wisdom to transform obstacles rather than suppress them.

• Skull Cup (Kapala)
  Traditionally symbolizes the transformation of afflictions into awakened awareness. It represents turning fear, ignorance, and negativity into clarity and insight—often described as transforming poison into medicine.

• Vajra Chopper (Kartika)
  Represents the blade of wisdom, capable of cutting through ignorance, attachment, and mental obscurations. Its crescent form signifies precise, decisive clarity rather than aggression.

When depicted together, as on the reverse of this pendant, these implements convey a complete protector symbolism:

• Subjugation of inner and outer obstacles through wisdom

• Protection of disciplined practice and ethical resolve

• Support for perseverance, clarity, and right action

This dual-sided iconography is especially significant in Six-Armed Mahakala representations, reinforcing his role as an active guardian who clears obstacles to awakened conduct.

Traditional Interpretations

Across different Vajrayana lineages, the combined symbolism of the skull cup and Vajra chopper has also been traditionally associated with:

• Overcoming adversity and limiting conditions

• Encouraging generosity and abundance by cutting attachment and scarcity-mindedness

• Protective strength in challenging or competitive environments, understood as moral courage rather than violence

• Purification and restoration, interpreted as clearing harmful patterns rather than medical treatment

These meanings are symbolic and contemplative in nature, intended to support reflection and discipline rather than guarantee specific outcomes.

Artistic Origin: Rebgong Full-Detail Hand Painting

This pendant is created in the Rebgong (Amdo) tradition, widely respected for its:

• Full-coverage, highly detailed compositions (“满工”)

• Strict adherence to traditional iconographic proportions

• Disciplined line work and balanced wrathful expression

• Emphasis on ritual accuracy over decorative effect

Every element is entirely hand-painted—there is no printing, no mechanical reproduction, and no shortcuts. Each piece reflects the time, precision, and spiritual discipline of Himalayan thangka craftsmanship.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Painting: 18K gold, dual-sided, entirely hand-painted

• Front: Six-Armed Mahakala iconography

• Back: Skull cup (Kapala) & Vajra chopper (Kartika) symbolism

• Frame: Traditional Tibetan Gau (Ghau) box

• Cover: Sapphire crystal mirror (high-definition, scratch-resistant)

• Technique: Rebgong full-detail hand painting

Size & Format

• Format: Circular Gau pendant

• Diameter: 26*21 mm

• Painting size: Circular composition within the Gau housing

• Structure: Solid metal casing with protective crystal cover

This size makes the pendant suitable for daily wear, travel, or placement on a personal altar.

Usage & Appreciation

This Mahakala Gau pendant is suitable for:

• Vajrayana practitioners seeking authentic protector iconography

• Collectors of Himalayan Buddhist art

• Personal devotional use or meditation settings

• A meaningful gift grounded in Buddhist cultural tradition

It is intended for respectful appreciation and contemplative reflection, rather than as a promise of specific results.

What You Will Receive

• One Six-Armed Mahakala dual-sided 18K gold hand-painted Gau pendant

• Sapphire crystal protective cover

• Secure packaging suitable for preservation or gifting

Cultural Note

This artwork is a religious and cultural object, created according to traditional Tibetan Buddhist artistic principles.
Symbolic interpretations may vary across lineages and traditions, and the piece should be approached with respect and cultural awareness.