Citipati

The Charnel Lords; Lords of the Cemetery

ALSO KNOWN AS:

The Chitipati

ORIGIN:

Tibet

The Citipati were two ascetics who meditated so deeply that they were completely unaware of being set upon by robbers and beheaded. After death, they emerged as wrathful deities who are invoked as fierce but ultimately benevolent protectors. The Citipati are companions of Yama, Lord of Death.

The Citipati are laughing, dancing skeletons. They represent the eternal dance of death. They are also erotic spirits: like the Barons, they are lords of sex and death. Their dance embodies the undying life-force. The ritual Dance of the Citipati is commemorated twice annually in Tibet. Post their image for protection and to drive off evil spirits.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Two grinning, dancing skeletons, usually one is male, the other female; their bodies intertwined, they dance ecstatically and joyfully. The Citipati wear headdresses of five jeweled skulls. Their heads resemble a big skull topped by tiny ones.

SEE ALSO:

Barons; Yama

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.