Dzambala with Vajrapani
Dzambala with 2 Vajrapani is hand-painted in Cotton Canvas in Kathmandu, Nepal. In Hindushim, it is also called Kubera. It is painted Jambhala Thangka is the god of prosperity in Buddhism and helps to eradicate poverty.
Dzambala is depicted in the center of the thangka. It is pronounced like Yellow Jambhala. 2 Vajrapani are presented at the right down and left down corner of the Dzambhala in the thangka.
Iconography of Dzambala
Dzambala is considered the most popular and powerful Wealth of God. He is the emanation of Buddha Ratnasambhava. He can remove poverty within the six realms, increasing virtues, life span, and wisdom.
He is also said to be an emanation of Vaisravana, one of the “Four Great World-protecting Heavenly Kings”. He is the guardian of light in Buddhism, a great charitable deity who grants fortune and protection. Lord Vaisravana lives in the northern region under the Four Heavens, at the northern crystal palace on the fourth level of Mount Sumeru.
According to the commentary on Lotus Sutra, this heavenly king is extremely knowledgeable as his perpetual protection of the Buddhas has enabled him to receive many teachings. Yellow Jambhala has a yellow-colored body, he sits in the vajra position with his right leg is panhandle, his right foot is above a snail and lotus flower, and his left leg is kinked. He has one face and two arms. His left hand holding a mongoose named Nehulay which spews forth precious jewels from its mouth, while his right hand holding gems shaped fruit and leaf of a lotus.
An ordinary image of Lord Vaisravana is one that holds a precious pagoda in the left, which pours out various treasures. In Tibetan Tantric images, the precious pagoda is replaced by the treasure-emitting mongoose. Yellow Jambhala sits on a lotus, sun disk, and moon disk.
Mantra of Dzambala
The mantra of Dzambala is Om Jambhala Jalendraye Svaha.
Iconography of Vajrapani
2 Vajrapani are presented at the right down and left down corner of the Dzambhala in the thangka. Vajrapaṇi is one of the earliest bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of the Buddha and rose to symbolize the Buddha’s power.
Vajrapani is pictured dancing wildly within a halo of flames which represents transformation.
He holds a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand which emphasizes the power to cut through the darkness of delusion. Vajrapani looks wrathful, but as a representation of the enlightened mind. He is completely free from hatred.
Mantra of Vajrapani
The mantra of Vajrapani is om vajrapani hum phat.
