Yab Yum Fresco | Zanskar | Photos of Ladakh

Yab yum paintings like these are a feature of Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism

They show a Bodhisattva or Protector Deity embracing their consort and symbolize the unity of different forces. This painting is in a chapel of protector deities at Stongde Monastery in the Zanskar valley, Ladakh, northern India.

Vajras, or diamond thunderbolts, can be seen held in the front hands.

This painting is in a room housing protector deities in glass cases. The paintings, which form the backdrop along the whole wall, are very dramatic with fine gold or red lines against a black background.

Landscape format.

A guide to approx sizes
A3: paper size 42x29.7cm, image size 40x28cm
A2: paper size 59.4x42cm, image size 57x40cm
70x50cm paper size, image size 68x48cm