Description

Charnel Ground Lords (Shītuó Lín Zhǔ), venerated in Vajrayana Buddhism as protectors of cemetery practitioners, are iconographically depicted in Thangka art with profound doctrinal symbolism. Within a Pure Land manifestation stands a quadrangular citadel of human skulls, enclosing a skeletal palace amidst a charnel ground. At its center rests a lotus-and-solar-disc throne, upon which sit the Charnel Ground Protectors in union — the divine couple.
Manifesting single-headed and dual-armed, their crimson orb-like third eye radiates piercing wisdom. Adorned with a pentacranial crown surmounted by a semi-vajra ornament, they stand dynamically poised upon conch and seashell mounts over lotus-cradled lunar-solar discs. Encircled by prajñā flames, their ecstatic dancing posture embodies the liberating solace bestowed upon sentient beings traversing the bardo of death.