Kalacakra Mandala, Thangka Painting, Tibet, 17th c.

Who: Shri Kalacakra and consort [as the central deity]

What: Mandala of Kalacakra ("Wheel of Time") thangka painting

Where: Central Tibet

When: 17th century

How: Mineral pigment on cotton cloth

Why: For tantric visualization rituals (sādhana)

Additional Information, Museum of Fine Arts BOSTON:INSCRIPTION on Central Bottom edge REads:In Tibetan: dpal dus kyi dkyil 'khor/ theg pa'i rgyal po/ dngos grub kyi bter [=gter] mdzod chen mo/ dbang ldan 'sod po'i [=pa'i] 'dod dkar dpal slu bas/ (transcibed by Jacki Elgar and Karl Debreczeny - Rubin Museum)
“Mandala of glorious time, the royal vehicle, great treasury of spiritual accomplishments, through its glorious allure, [your] good wishes and virtues are endowed with power.” (translation by Michael Sheehy a Kalacakra specialist)