Diamond World Mandala, Alchi Monastery, Ladakh (Kashmir), 12th c.

Who: Four-faced Buddha Vairocana encircled by four wisdom Buddhas and their four female consorts (Bodhisattva-goddesses) who embody Enlightened Wisdom (prajna)

What: Diamond World Mandala 

When: ca. 1100 (12th c.)

Where: Alchi Monastery, Ladakh (Kashmir, India)

How: Wall Painting in Monastery's Sumstek Building

Why: Tantric visualization practices in Tibetan Buddhism [simplified form of mandala used in esoteric Japanese (Shingon) Buddhism, ca. 9th c.]