Vajrapani

Vajrapani

Vajrapani is the second Dhyani-Boddhisattva emanated from Dhyani - Buddha Akshyobhya. Renowned Chinese Philosopher Hsuan Tsang mentions Vajrapani as being with Tathagata Buddha Sakyamuni when subdued the gigantic snake in Udayana India. It is also related that when the Nagas (serpent gods) appeared before the Buddha to listen to his teachings, Vajrapani was charged by the Tathagata to guard them against the attacks of their mortal enemies, the Garudas, and Thato to deceive and combat the Garudas, Vajrapani assumed a form with head, wings, and claws like the Garudas themselves.

The Nagas are believed to control the rain clouds, hence Vajrapani, as their protector, is looked upon as the Rain God, and it is to him the Mahayana Buddhists' appeal when rain is needed or is too abundant.

Vajrapani is often painted in dark blue color, single, or along with Avalokitesvara and Manjushri Bodhisattva of infinite compassion and infinite wisdom/knowledge respectively. He is holding a Vajra (Tibetan: Dorje) in his right hand and a lasso in his left.