A Dakini in the form of a dog
Description
The dog standing on a lotus pedestal implies that it has reached at least the third stage of the enlightenment. According to the story Mahasiddha Kukkuripa met a starving dog. He nurtured her and shared his cave with her. After 12 years of meditation he was invited by gods to reside in the heaven. But out of his love towards the dog, Kukkuripa could not stay there for long and returned. As soon as he caressed the dog it became a dakini who led Kukkuripa to full enlightenment.
Karl and Meherbai Khandalavala Collection
Collection
Himalayan Art
Object Type
Figurine religious object
Material
Gilded metal alloy
Schools/Culture/Period
--
Technique
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Date
19th century CE
Location
Tibet