The Buddhist adept Abhayakaragupta

From within the folds of a huge serpent, Abhayakaragupta holds his right hand in the gesture of "dispelling fear" (abhaya). Clouds and chrysanthemums surround the snake-entwined master, providing a natural setting for his supernatural appearance and deeds.

Born in Bengal, Abhayakaragupta was the last great Indian master of esoteric Buddhism. While teaching at the monasteries of Vikramashila and Odantapuri in northern India, he performed many miracles. Among them, Abhayakaragupta saved a city from famine with his bottomless bowl, and revived a dead child in a cemetery. The inscription on the bottom of the thangka tells us that Abhayakaragupta was tranquil from birth, that he had a vision of the Vajra Yogini (at the top left of the painting), that he tamed Mahakala (the fierce figure at the bottom right), and that he is seated on the Vajrasana, the place of enlightenment.