Dopamantine, according to Tibetan Buddhism, is considered to be an incarnation of Vajrasattva and appears in a wrathful form. It is said that the founder of the Nyingmapa lineage, Padmasambhava, transformed into Dopamantine, granting it immense power and making it the main deity of ancient Tibetan tantric practices.

Dopamantine is depicted as a two-armed deity with three faces and six arms. It wears a crown adorned with five skulls, representing the five Buddhas and their wisdom. Each face has three wrathful eyes, giving a fierce appearance. The six hands hold various objects, including the Dorje Phurba symbolizing the indestructibility of the Buddhist teachings, a Vajra pestle, a Trident, and a flame. It also wears a garland of human bones around its neck and a tiger-skin skirt, symbolizing the subjugation of anger.

The deity stands on a lotus pedestal with slender and full petals. The wide flame-shaped aureole behind it enhances Dopamantine’s fierce aura. The sculpture of Dopamantine is complex in design with numerous intricate details. Despite its small size, every detail of the Dharmapala is clearly depicted, which is quite rare. The proportions are well-balanced, the carving is precise, and the overall impression is majestic and exquisite.