Subterranean Goddesses

Subterranean Goddesses (brtan ma)

• An important class of twelve indigenous Tibetan spirits who personify the mighty snow ranges of Tibet and who are encorporated within the outer retinue (phyi 'khor) of the fifty-eight wrathful deities. Foremost among them are Kong-btsun de-mo (associated with Mt Namchak Barwa), rMa-chen spom-ra (associated wih Mt Amnye Machen), rDo-rje spyan-gcig-ma (associated with Mt Everest), rDo-rje kun-grags-ma (associated with Mt Nyenchen Tanglha), and rDo-rje kun-ti bzang (associated with Mt Nojin Gangzang). For a number of comparative lists derived from different traditions, see Nebesky-Wojkowitz, Oracles and Demons of Tibet, pp. 181-188. GD (from the Glossary to Tibetan Elemental Divination Paintings)