Mandāravā

Mandarava is a central figure in the history of Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric Buddhism. She is recognized as a female guru-deity and a highly realized spiritual teacher.

According to her biographer, Samten Lingpa, she was born a princess in Zahor, located in northern India. Her parents were King Vihardhara and Queen Mohauki. Mandarava was known for being highly educated at a very young age. This was a rare achievement for women during that historical period. She chose to renounce her royal birthright to practice the Dharma, which refers to the teachings of the Buddha.

Mandarava's path to spiritual life involved significant conflict with her royal status. Because she was beautiful and of high birth, many kings from India and China sought to marry her. Mandarava preferred her spiritual calling over marriage. Her father, King Vihardhara, disagreed with her choice and imprisoned her in a palace dungeon. Even while imprisoned, Mandarava continued to share her teachings. She led at least 800 women toward the path of the Dharma. This included a group of 300 noble women who took Bodhisattva vows and built a temple. She also taught 500 women who were affected by a war. Eventually, her father allowed her to take ordination vows and built a new palace for her and her retinue.

The meeting between Mandarava and the teacher Padmasambhava was a turning point. Padmasambhava was a founder-figure of Tibetan Buddhism. Tradition says that Mandarava's father tried to purify them through immolation using a pyre. Instead of destruction, the fire transformed into Lake Rewalsar in Himachal Pradesh, India. A blooming lotus emerged from the water to support them unharmed. During this event, they achieved secret names: Mandarava became Vajravarahi and Padmasambhava became Hayagriva. At age 16, Mandarava became the first of Padmasambhava's five historical spiritual consorts.

Mandarava and Padmasambhava engaged in intense spiritual practice together. They traveled to the Maratika Cave in the Khotang District of Nepal. This cave is located about 185 kilometers southwest of Mount Everest. The cave is often called the "Cave of Bringing Death to an End." There, they realized mastery at the vidyadhara level. They also practiced teachings related to longevity. These teachings were considered terma, or hidden treasures, encoded by the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. While Padmasambhava later traveled to spread teachings across the Himalayan region, Mandarava remained in India.

Mandarava's spiritual mastery was equal to that of her teacher. She is sometimes referred to by the honorific name Machig Drupa Gyalmo, meaning "Singular Queen Mother of Attainment." She also served as a teacher to other important figures. For example, she taught Yeshe Tsogyal the "thirteen pith instructions on Hayagriva."

Many people believe Mandarava is still active in the world through different incarnations. The dakini Niguma is considered to be one of her incarnations. In the United States, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo is recognized as an emanation of Mandarava. Other recognized emanations include the female tertön Jetsunma Do Dasel Wangmo Rinpoche.

The iconography used to depict Mandarava follows specific symbolic patterns. In her sambhogakaya form, she is often shown with white skin that has a tinge of red. She wears regal bodhisattva ornamentation. She often holds a dadar, which is an arrow used as a teaching tool for lineage transmission. She may also hold a melong, or mirror, to represent the reflective nature of the mind. Her left hand often holds a bumpa, which is a long-life vase. While she is usually standing, some depictions show her in a meditative seat or an energetic dance.

Mandarava's legacy continues through various Buddhist lineages and traditions today. Many modern practices focus on long life or the consecration of sacred medicines. Her influence is also tied to geography and literature. The city of Mandi in India is said to be named after her. The Lotus Sutra also contains a mention of Mandarava blossoms raining down upon a great assembly. There is even a possible connection between her name and the Erythrina, or Indian coral tree. Her life remains a significant example of spiritual devotion and leadership within the Vajrayana tradition.