Hymns addressed to five Buddhist protective goddesses (Pancharaksha)

The transregional nature of Himalayan Buddhism is epitomised in the Pancharaksha, an illuminated manuscript containing a collection of five sutras aimed at removing obstacles and fulfilling wishes, which has been popular in the Himalayas from the 9th century to the present day.

The wooden covers that protect the palm-leaf pages of this significant manuscript feature depictions of the deities referenced in the texts. These are portrayed as multi-armed protective goddesses alongside the five Tathagata Buddhas.

The recitation of this revered and cherished text, kept in every household, found its preeminent place among the Newar Buddhists of Nepal. There, representations of the goddesses can be admired on temple and shrine ceilings, as well as in metal or stone sculptures and paintings. The Pancharaksha also gained popularity in Tibet, where translations were preserved in monasteries alongside copies written in the Newar script, derived from the original Sanskrit text.