Karamukha Samvara

The tutelary protector Kharamukha Samvara, an unusual ass-headed form of Samvara associated with the highest level of tantric teachings, the Anuttara Yoga tantras. Such protectors (or Yidam) are chosen by Buddhist practitioners as embodiments of the enlightened state which is their goal. Each object held in the hands of the figure and of his consort (of which several are now missing) symbolically represents aspects and powers of enlightened wisdom. The lasso in his fifth left hand, for example, shows his ability to bind beings to wisdom from life to life.