What does the name Yamantaka mean in Vajrayana Buddhism?
The Sanskrit name Yamantaka means Destroyer of Death or Conqueror of Death. This title combines Yama the god of death with antaka meaning destroyer to declare active opposition to mortality.
Questions about Yamantaka
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who is Yamantaka considered to be an emanation of in Buddhist texts?
Taranatha describes Yamantaka as a wrathful expression of Mañjuśrī the bodhisattva of wisdom. The Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa text claims instead that Yamantaka is an emanation of Vajrapani while Shingon traditions describe him as the wrathful emanation of Amitabha.
How many heads and arms does the most common form of Yamantaka have?
The most common representation known as Vajramahabhairava depicts nine heads thirty-two hands and sixteen legs. This form stands directly on Yama all Deva's and Asuras simultaneously.
Why did Yamantaka adopt a terrifying form according to the script?
Yamantaka adopted this terrifying form specifically to defeat Yama the lord of death who had arrogantly interfered with karma by claiming victims before their time was up. The deity submitted Yama through terror using a form even more frightening than Yama himself until repentance occurred.
Which school of Tibetan Buddhism considers Yamantaka deities most popular today?
The Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism considers the Anuttarayoga class of tantra deities most popular. Within this tradition Yamantaka holds prominence among several named deities sharing his title.