Kalachakra Yab-Yum Thangka

The Kalacakra Tantric tradition is based on the concept of time (kala) and cycles (chakra). Kalachakra philosophy is traditionally visually represented both as a three dimensional Mandala and a Tantric deity of Vajrayana Buddhism.

This beautiful thangka, painted with 24 Carat gold, depicts Kalacakra and his consort Kalacakri or Vishvamata in Yab-Yum: the divine tantric union. They are both adorned with crowns, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and various ornaments. Kalachakra has four faces and twenty-four hands, with two of them he embraces the consort and with the others he holds different weapons.
The two deities embracing each other creates a stunning visual effect with the several hands forming the shape of a wheel, that as in the Kalachakra Mandala is symbol of the cyclic nature of time.
The concept of time is used as a metaphor to symbolize the process of transformation from worldly existence to complete enlightenment.