Citipati (Buddhism)
Citipati(Sanskrit: चितिपति) is a protector deity or supernatural being in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. It is formed of two skeletal deities, one male and the other female, both dancing wildly with their limbs intertwined inside a halo of flames representing change.[1] The Citipati is said to be one of the seventy-five forms of Mahakala.[2] Their symbol is meant to represent both the eternal dance of death as well as perfect awareness and they are invoked as ‘wrathful deities,’ benevolent protectors; fierce beings of demonic appearance. The dance of the Citipati is commemorated twice annually in Tibet with ritual dances.
Description
The Citipati were once two ascetics meditating near a graveyard. Being in such a deep state of meditation, they did not notice a thief who had sneaked upon them. The thief then proceeded to cut off their heads and threw them into dust without the ascetics even noticing, which caused them to reach enlightenment. This is usually symbolized by a third eye on their foreheads.
Infuriated by the act, the Citipati swore vengeance to the thief that defecated on his head, and became the arch enemy of thieves and other criminals. However, being skeletons, the Citipati cannot leave cemeteries and can only get their hands on thieves passing through them. While waiting for passing criminals, the Citipati pass their time by dancing and blowing horns, a ritual reenacted by tibetian monks twice annually.[2] Their dancing also serves as a symbol for death and rebirth, for the Citipati consist of both halves of the human body, male and female.[2][3] Their skeletal form is a reminder of the impermanence of life and eternal change. Thieves in buddhist countries usually stay clear of cemeteries out of fear of the Citipati who dwells there. Therefore, the Citipati is a protector of graveyards, often titled Lord of the Cemetery.[2]