Fierce Deities

Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, Tibet

Fierce deities in Tibetan Buddhism are protectors of the kingdom, as well as personal protectors who frighten away any bad spiritual influences that hinder the devotee. Hayagriva, left, is the fierce form of Avalokiteshvara, known by the horse-head in his crown. Mahakala, on the right (Mgon-po in Tibetan), is a Tibetan Bhairava, the fierce form of Shiva.