Related Terms • Dorje • pentagram • Star of David • Ghanta   Related Resources • Taoism • Shinto • Sikhhism Glossaries  • Symbol Glossary • Alternative Religions Glossary • Glossary of Magick and the Occult

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Citipati, or "Lords of the Cemetery" represent two mytholgical Buddhist ascetics, who, being so deep in meditation, were caught unawares by a thief and beheaded even before they knew they were dead.

As a symbol, the chittipati represnt the eternal dance of death, and perfect awareness. They are usually depicted as a male/female pair of intertwined skeletons caught in an ecstatic dance. The dance of the citipati is commemorated twice annually in Tibet with ritual dances.

The citipati are invoked as 'wrathful deities,' benevolent protectors who appear as fierce, even demonic, beings.

The Chitipati, or Charnel Lords

Related Symbols:

Related Resources:

• Sacred texts and scripture
  Scriptures and other sacred texts, from ancient times to modern theological musings.
• Alternative spirituality in a nutshell
  Basic facts about alternative spiritual traditions- history, founders, misconceptions and other basic facts to give a clearer understanding of the varieties of religious expression.