Vajrayogini

Vajrayogini is of the central meditational deities (yidam) in Gelug tradition. She represents the state of full enlightenment achieved through tantric practice of which she is the main focus, although she is also considered the consort of another tantric deity, Chakrasmvara. She gazes upward, holding a skull cup in one hand and a curved knife in another, balancing a staff in the nook of her arm. A garland of skulls drapes her body posed in a dynamic stance. This sculpture portrays the energy and power of the deity and is complemented by the detailed rendering of her flaming body halo (mandorla).