dharmapala
Buddhist protective deity
A dharmapala is a wrathful protective deity in Buddhist tradition, particularly Tibetan and East Asian Buddhism.
These fierce guardian figures defend the dharma (Buddhist teachings) and practitioners from obstacles and evil influences.
Despite their terrifying appearance—often depicted with fangs, flames, and weapons—they represent enlightened energy channeled toward protection rather than destruction: The temple entrance was flanked by images of dharmapalas. (Capitalized Dharmapala is a surname.)
One who safeguards others
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- TibetanOf a Himalayan region
- MahayanaBuddhism stressing universal liberation
- tantraEsoteric spiritual discipline
mandala · thangka · monastery · lama · ritual · puja · iconography · fierce
Violently intense or aggressive
- ferocityExtreme violent intensity
- flamingOn fire, or online attacks
- tramplingCrushing underfoot repeatedly
- fangsSharp piercing teeth
menacing · terrifying · fearsome · rage · fury · scowling · subduing · flames
Tibetan religious fabric painting
- statueThree-dimensional sculpted likeness
- muralWall-applied artwork
- crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece
- ornamentsDecorative embellishments for display
serpent · flames · aureole · consort · attendants · attributes · scroll painting · bronze
protector
One who safeguards others
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- TibetanOf a Himalayan region
- MahayanaBuddhism stressing universal liberation
tantra · mandala · thangka · monastery · lama · ritual · puja · iconography · fierce · wrathful
fierce
Violently intense or aggressive
- ferocityExtreme violent intensity
- flamingOn fire, or online attacks
- tramplingCrushing underfoot repeatedly
fangs · menacing · terrifying · fearsome · rage · fury · scowling · subduing · flames · smoke
thangka
Tibetan religious fabric painting
- statueThree-dimensional sculpted likeness
- muralWall-applied artwork
- crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece
ornaments · serpent · flames · aureole · consort · attendants · attributes · scroll painting · bronze
guardian
Protective caretaker of another
custodian · keeper · preserver · oath-bound · vow · devotee · practitioner · temple · sanctuary
Vishnu
Hindu deity of preservation
worship · altar · veneration · Southeast Asian · Khmer · Javanese · Thai · shrine · sanctum · pantheon
dharmapalaMara
Hebrew name meaning bitter
demon · corruptor · rakshasa · tempter · evil spirit
dharmapalaapsara
Divine dancer of heaven
temptress · seducer · false friend · wolf in sheep's clothing