Exploring Chundi Bodhisattva: The Compassionate Mother of Buddhas

Chundi Bodhisattva is a female deity in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, celebrated for her role as a nurturer of enlightenment. Her name, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "supremely pure" or "extreme purity," reflecting her essence as a beacon of immaculate wisdom and compassion.

Often referred to as the mother of Seventy Million Buddhas (or Seven Koti Buddhas in some texts), she is believed to give spiritual birth to countless enlightened beings, helping practitioners overcome obstacles and achieve Buddhahood. In Buddhist lore, Chundi is seen as a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) in feminine form, emphasising her protective and guiding nature. 

Devotees invoke her for worldly benefits like health, prosperity, and protection from harm, as well as ultimate spiritual goals such as purifying karma and attaining wisdom. Her practice is accessible yet profound, making her a beloved figure in daily devotion and meditation.

History and Origins

Chundi's origins trace back to ancient Indian Buddhist texts, where she emerges as a powerful deity in the Esoteric (Tantric) traditions. She is prominently featured in the Cundi Dharani Sutra (The Sutra of the Great Cundi Dharani, the Heart of the Mother of Seventy Million Buddhas), a scripture taught by Shakyamuni Buddha himself. According to the sutra, Chundi manifested from the Buddha's deep meditative state (samadhi), transforming from an infinite ocean of void to aid sentient beings. Her cult gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty in China (7th-10th century), where she became a key figure in Esoteric Buddhism, influenced by Indian Tantric practices. In Nepal, Chundi appears in Thangka art as a nurturing mother and fierce protector, blending compassion with Tantric power.

The Iconography of Chundi: Symbolism in Every Detail

Chundi's depiction in Thangka paintings is a masterpiece of symbolic artistry, crafted with vibrant pigments and gold leaf by Nepali artisans. She is typically shown as a serene, white or golden-bodied figure, adorned with jewels and a crown, signifying her exalted status. Detailed close-up of a hand-painted Chundi Thangka, showcasing her jewelled crown and radiant aura.

Why Eighteen Arms?

One of the most captivating aspects is her eighteen arms, each holding a symbolic implement like a sword (to sever ignorance), lotus (purity), Dharma wheel (teachings), vase (abundance), axe (cutting obstacles), or bow (focus).

These arms symbolize the eighteen uncommon merits (āveṇika-dharmas) of a fully enlightened Buddha, as outlined in the Cundī Dhāraṇī Sūtra's appendix. They represent infinite skillful means (upāya) to liberate beings from suffering, allowing Chundi to assist countless individuals simultaneously.

Here’s a breakdown of these eighteen special qualities:



In Thangka art, these arms fan out dynamically, creating a sense of movement and omnipresence, reminding viewers of Buddhism's multifaceted path to enlightenment.

Seated on a Lotus Throne

Chundi is invariably portrayed seated on a lotus throne, a universal Buddhist symbol of purity rising from impurity. The lotus blooms pristine from muddy waters, mirroring how enlightenment emerges untouched by worldly defilements. This throne underscores Chundi's role in elevating practitioners above samsara (the cycle of suffering).

Other Key Features

Three Eyes: Her third eye on the forehead grants omniscience, seeing past, present, and future.

Attendants and Aura: Often surrounded by attendants or an aura of light, emphasising her divine power.

The Chundi Mantra: Practice and Benefits

At the heart of Chundi's worship is her sacred mantra: Oṃ cale cule cunde svaha (or variations like Om cale cule cundi svaha). Reciting this dharani with bodhichitta (compassionate intent) is said to purify negative karma, protect from dangers, fulfill wishes, and accelerate enlightenment. Benefits include improved focus, reduced mishaps, academic success, fertility, and prosperity. Practice often involves visualization of her form (using a Thangka as a focal point), offerings, and daily recitation; ideally, before a special mirror or mandala in advanced Tantric rites. For beginners, simply chanting while gazing at a Chundi Thangka can invite her blessings into your space. At Lunzi Art, our Thangkas capture this cross-cultural essence, handcrafted by skilled Nepali artists using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Chundi in Thangka Art: A Nepali Perspective

In Nepal, Thangka paintings of Chundi are not just art, they're spiritual tools. Created with natural pigments on cotton canvas, these works feature her dynamic form against Himalayan landscapes or mandalas, inviting meditation. Owning a Chundi Thangka can transform your home into a sanctuary of purity and compassion. Browse our collection at Lunzi Art to find one that resonates with your journey.