Hevajra is a popular guardian deity in Tantric Buddhism. He is shown here united with his female consort Nairatmya. The two embrace in an ecstatic dance upon a sacred lotus blossom, trampling 4 figures that represent the Hindu gods Brahma, Yama, Indra, and a yaksha or nature spirit.

 Hevajra is represented with 8 heads; each face is positioned into a terrifying scowl and possesses a glaring third eye. As he dances on his 4 legs, he waves his 16 great arms. Each of the figure’s hands is occupied with objects—including a trident, a mace, and a noose—that represent destruction and release from earthly wants, needs, and emotions. Nairatmya has one arm thrown around Hevajra’s neck, and she holds the base of a curved knife in the other.

This Shastradhara, or weapon-bearing depicition of Hevajra, wears an elaborate crown upon which sits the head of the Buddha Akshobhya, who gained his buddhahood by abandoning all feelings of hatred and disgust toward others. He presides over the Eastern paradise, a realm beyond the cycle of death and rebirth.