Mahakala

Panjaranatha Mahakala; Tibet; 16th-17th century; clay; Rubin Museum of Art; Gift of Navin Kumar, New York City; C2002.27.3 (HAR65134)
A conversation with Dr. Karl Debreczeny, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Art and Dr. Beth Harris
this video was slightly revised
Rubin Museum senior curator Dr. Karl Debreczeny and Dr. Beth Harris of Smarthistory examine a sculpture of Mahakala, one of the eight great wrathful dharma protectors in Vajrayana Buddhism-a remover of obstacles, both internal and external.
The Rubin Museum of Art has teamed up with Smarthistory to bring you an ‘up-close’ look at select objects from the Rubin’s preeminent collection of Himalayan art. Featuring conversations with senior curators and close-looking at art, this video series is an accessible introduction to the art and material culture of the Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian regions. Learn about the living traditions and art-making practices of the Himalayas from the past to today.
Learn more about Mahakala on Project Himalayan Art, a resource from the Rubin for learning about Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art and cultures:
projecthimalayanart.rubinmuse...
projecthimalayanart.rubinmuse...
projecthimalayanart.rubinmuse...
About the Rubin
The Rubin is a global museum dedicated to sharing Himalayan art through a dynamic digital platform, participatory experiences, exhibitions, and partnerships. Inspired and informed by Himalayan art, the Rubin invites people to contemplate the human experience and deepen connections with the world around them in order to expand awareness, enhance well-being, and cultivate compassion.
View the Himalayan Art Up Close series: / playlist
Subscribe to the Rubin Museum RUclips channel: / @rubinmuseum
Images: Panjaranatha Mahakala; Tibet; 16th-17th century; clay; Rubin Museum of Art; C2002.27.3 (HAR65134)

[@citizendan6390]

Smarthistory is such a great channel!

[@0x_hackerfren]

I agree! A treasure to be sure

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thank you both.

[@nsbd90now]

@@smarthistory-art-history Ha ha! Have a third! Y'all are terrific. Interesting educational and with a great back and forth that is to the point of what you are presenting. Also, chill vocals... not overly enthusiastic. lol! Thanks!

[@kingharsh9713]

I thought mahakala was prominent in Hinduism. How does it connect with Buddhism? Just curious and bit confused

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Yes, the deity Mahakala is shared by both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

[@navinkumarpk86]

I am Navin Kumar. Same as the donor.

[@smarthistory-art-history]

What a marvelous work. It was a great treat to see this in person and to learn about it working with Karl Debreczeny. We hope you enjoyed the video, learners around the world have watched it more than 4,500 times since it went live.

[@0x_hackerfren]

The way the eastern religions portray divine beings is always such a stark contrast to that of the West i feel like

[@navinkumarpk86]

How so?

[@0x_hackerfren]

@navinkumarpk86 Buddhism and hindisum seem to portray them in a much more intense light. Look at kali for instance.
Then look at how the west portrays Satan, the prime evil.
With devil horns and a pitchfork :p

[@katieh6444]

Is there a link with the Indian goddess Kali? There seem to be some visual similarities like stepping on a figure and being a quite fierce character.