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Symbolism of Mahakala.

The protector's body color is dark blue, symbolic of changeless Dharmakaya. His three eyes symbolize his clear comprehension of the three times, and the vivid manifestation of the three bodies of Buddha. The crown of five skulls symbolize the five poisons- anger, desire, ignorance, jealousy, and pride-transformed into five wisdoms. His six arms symbolize the completion of six perfections-generosity, patience, morality, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. The tigug knife symbolizes the cutting of ego-attachment. The skull bowl filled with blood symbolizes the subjugation of evil ones. The rosary symbolizes the continuous activity for the benefit of beings.

The damaru, hand-drum symbolizes his power over the dakinis. His trident symbolizes his power over the three spheres-desire, form, and formless. The lasso symbolizes his action of binding those who break their vows. His two feet symbolize means and wisdom. That his left leg is straight and his right leg bent symbolize his accomplishment of benefit to self and others. He tramples on the Binayaka, to symbolize his destruction and dispersal of great obstacles. The sun on which he stands symbolizes his illumination of the darkness of ignorance. The lotus seat symbolizes purity undefiled by samsara. The blazing fire symbolize his action to consume neurotic states of mind. The tiger skin he wears symbolizes the purification of desire: the elephant skin, purification of pride; the snake, purification of anger. All his other ornaments symbolize that he has the complete qualities of the Buddha.

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