Old silver bronze thogchag pendant Palden Lhamo

Palden Lhamo, or in Sanskrit ‘Sri Devi’ is one of the most important dharmapala’s (protectors of the dharma) in Vajrayana Buddhism. She is the only female among the group of the traditional ‘Eight Guardians of Law’ and is a national icon of Tibet, the patroness of Tibet’s capital Lhasa and even the chief protector of the Dalai Lama himself, who is said to take a special thanka scroll painting of her with him wherever he travels.

Palden Lhamo, whose name can be translated as ‘Glorious Goddess’ is a wrathful emanation of White Tara. Her many nicknames (for example the Cannibal Queen, the Queen of the End of War or the Queen who Repels Armies) point to her extremely fierce character. Just like her manifestation as White Tara, also Palden Lhamo can be seen as a Divine Mother figure. But where White Tara embodies the nurturing, supportive, warm, embracing aspects of motherly love, Palden Lhamo is the no-nonsense parent who keeps you firmly on track with a stern hand and scolding voice. But beware all of those who hurt or bully those who she loves; her ferocious protectivity when enraged will send all demons running.

Palden Lhamo is thus beloved by Tibetan Buddhists as an incredibly fierce protective deity, awesome in her power; nothing can stand against an enraged mother. But as revered and beloved as she is, actively engaging in her practice is definitely not for those looking for a comfortable path. She will lead you into very deep shadow work and will not accept laziness or half-heartedness. All inner demons will be brought to the surface without mercy. Palden Lhamo is not for the weak.

This silver bronze pendant, which shows Palden Lhamo riding her beloved mule, is made to resemble an ancient 'thogchag' (or 'thokcha'). Thogchags are small metal objects, worn as amulets. Their history can be dated back thousands of years and the real thogchags are said to be made of meteorite iron (or at least a metal alloy which also includes meteorite iron) and have fallen from the sky or magically produced when a thunderbolt strikes the earth. 

Thogchags can be made in several forms and often depict tantric deities, mythological or real animals or ancient symbols. Also ritual attributes such as phurba's or dorje's can often be found and even more daily, practical attributes such as arrowheads, fibulae and pieces of horse equipment. They often are very abstract in their depictions, which for really old pieces of course further increases by being worn out into smooth surfaces and gaining a distinct patina.

Real ancient thogchags are of course highly sought after and can be extremely expensive. So of course in more recent times also many 'new' thogchags are made, resembling the style and depictions of the old ones.

This pendant here in our shop is such a recently made thogchag, though the term 'recent' might not be completely adequate, because this pendant also has quite some years of age to it already. It might not be antique, but certainly of some respectable age already and has gained some nice patina over time.

Sizes: approximately 4 centimeters high (measured without the eyelet) and 3 centimeters wide. Weight is 16 grams.

Only one available.