This form of Mahakala is called bernagchen, he is personal proctor of the Karmapas the heads of the karma kagyu tradition. His name literally means “The Black Cloak” it was 2nd Karmapa Karma Pakshi (1206-1283 CE), who introduced the practice into the karma kagyu tradition. The practice itself originated from the Revealed Treasure or Terma Tradition of the Nyima Tradition. Mahakala Bernagchen is also considered to be one of the special protectors of the karma kagya lineage as a whole. He has two arms, he wears a crown of five skulls, which represents five poisons of delusions namely lust, hatred, ignorance, pride and jealousy transformed into the wisdom of five Buddhas. His right hand holds a curved flaying knife with a vajra handle symbolizing that he has cut off ego, clinging, and attachment. His left hand holds a kapala filled with blood symbolizing the subjugation of the evil. Since, there are many forms of Mahakala such as two armed, four armed and multiple armed; the deity holds different objects according to its different manifestations. He also wears a tiger skin symbolizing the purification of desires. He has three eyes symbolizing his clear comprehension of Three times. He looks ferocious against a background of blazing fire.

His two feet symbolize wisdom and method. His ferocious appearance aside, Mahakala is a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of universal compassion.

The thangka comes framed in a traditional silk brocade border.