The Nagaradja's are mythological
serpent kings which rule the various cosmic oceans. Traditionally there
are 10 major Nagaradjas ruling the 4 main directions (east, west, south,
north), the 4 sub-directions (east-west, north-east etc.) as well as zenith
and nadir. According to the elements (east=water=blue, north=air=green
etc.) and mixing of the elements (bluegreen, yellowred etc.) they have
a different color. Their main attributes are precious stones which they
wear in their crowns and which symbolize their vast magic potential. Their
mythological enemies are the garudas (primordial birds) which try to steal
those stones. Because of their strong magical powers (siddhis), their great
tantric knowledge, and to keep them in a peaceful mood (they quickly can
change into wrathful emanations, called Nagarakshas), some tantric rituals
start with inviting the 10 big naga-kings by the intonation of the so-called
10 long Phu's. PHU is the seed-syllable for all nagaradjas. The short mantra
is OM NAGARADJA SARVA SIDDHI HUNG. - This painting by Tenga Tulku shows
the gold-yellow Nagaradja, surrounded by Manjushri, White Tara, Vajrakila
and some naga-deities (lhu). It is the special protector deity of Hans
Taeger (Champa Legshe) and Manjushri Mandala.
The thangka reproduction is of poor quality.
Sorry. Click here for thangka
detail! |
