Heruka

Buddhist deity

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Article History

Heruka, in the Vajrayana Buddhism of Tibet and Central Asia, a fierce protective deity. He is an emanation of the buddha Aksobhya, whose figure is incorporated in his headdress. He is depicted as blue in colour with two arms, which hold a vajra (thunderbolt) and a kapala (skull cup) full of blood. When represented in union with the female consort Vajrayogini, he is known as Hevajra, and he is widely worshipped in this form in Tibet.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Matt Stefon.