Mahakala Postcard

Mahakala is a Dharmapala ("protector of dharma") in Vajrayana Buddhism, while in Hinduism, Mahakala is a name of Shiva. His name means Great Time. Mahākāla is relied upon in all schools of Tibetan buddhism. However, he is depicted in a number of variations, each with distinctly different qualities and aspects. He is also regarded as the emanation of different beings in different cases, namely Avalokiteshvara or Chakrasamvara. Mahakala is typically black in color. Just as all colors are absorbed and dissolved into black, all names and forms are said to melt into those of Mahakala, symbolizing his all-embracing, comprehensive nature. Black can also represent the total absence of color, and again in this case it signifies the nature of Mahakala as ultimate or absolute reality beyond all quality and form. Mahakala is almost always depicted with a crown of five skulls, which represent the transmutation of the five klesas (negative afflictions) into the five wisdoms.