On the *Vajrābhiṣekamaṇḍala in the Vajrapāṇyabhiṣekatantra

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the *Vajrābhiṣekamaṇḍala in the Vajrapāṇyabhi­ṣekatantra (VPA). This tantra explains the three types of maṇḍala for abhiṣeka. Preceding studies have discussed the first maṇḍala, but none have discussed the second and the third. For this reason, this paper focuses on the second maṇḍala. This maṇḍala is in the shape of a circle, and it has a double structure, namely interior and exterior. A vajra and a dharmacakra are drawn in the center of the maṇḍala, but the meaning of these symbols is unclear. As for the inside of the maṇḍala, a cintāmaṇi is drawn in the east and symbolizes Samantabhadra. A dharmaśaṅkha, a vajra, and a padma are drawn in the north, which symbolize Avalokiteśvara. A vāyumaṇḍala and a vajra are drawn in the south and symbolize Vajrapāṇi. An utpala is drawn in the west and symbolizes Mañjuśrī. A sword is drawn in the southwest, but its meaning is unclear. Trailokyavijaya and Krodhacandratilaka are drawn on both side of the gates. As for the outside, Īśvara, Indra, Yama, and Catvāro mahārājānaḥ are drawn in the east, north, south, and west, respectively. Durdharṣa? and Abhimukha? are drawn on both side of the gates, and four guards are drawn in the four directions of the maṇḍala.