BAJRAPANI

Bajrapani (also spelt Vajrapani) is the Bodhisattva holding a Bajra, which is also his family emblem. One of the Dhyani Buddhas Akshobhya also holds Bajra in his hand. Although Bajrapani is not as popular as Avalokitesvara or Padmapani or Manjusri, yet Bajrapani is often presented together with Lord Buddha or with other Bodhisatwas. He carries a Bajra or Vajra usually placed on top of a lotus, but sometimes held directly in the right hand . He may be shown in a standing position or in a sitting position. The literal meaning of Bajrapani is the one with a thunderbolt in hand and thus, Bajrapani belongs to the family of Buddha Amoghsiddhi, one of the Pancha Buddhas who embodies dauntlessness. According to Buddhist texts Bajrapani is also regarded as a God with magical power who forced Shiva to accept the supremacy of the doctrines of the Buddhas.
Bajrapani with the Bajra symbol is also the spiritual son of the Dhyani Buddha Akoshobhya who is the progenitor of the Bajra family. His spiritual mother is Mamaki. Bajrapani is also known as God of Rain. It is said that when the Nagas (serpents) appeared before Buddha to listen to his teachings, Bajrapani was charged by Tathagata to guard them from the attacks of their mortal enemies, the Garudas. To deceive and combat the Garudas, Bajrapani assumed a form with head, wings and claws like that of Garuda themselves. Hence, Bajrapani as the protector of Nagas is looked upon as the Rain God and so, Northern Buddhists appeal when they need rain or when rain is too much in abundance. One can also find Bajrapani in Garuda form among the various forms of Barapani. Bajrapani, is represented either standing or sitting and usually carrying a lotus on which is placed the family symbol of Vajra. Sometime, he holds the vajra against the chest in one of his hands. Please scan through all entries like Vajra or Bajra and Vajrapani or Bajrapani for all details.