Chatra

Sacred Umbrella

You can find the protecting and venerating symbol of the umbrella throughout the world. In the many religions of India, the umbrella is the emblem of Varuna, only nobility such as kings were allowed to use an umbrella and Varuna is the personification of spiritual kingship. Most kings and queens back in our ancient past represented the spiritual world made flesh, unfortunately being made of flesh we humans are tempted by all sorts of desires, good bad and indifferent. The umbrella is supposed to protect us from getting lost in our desires as they manifest as demons, monsters, gods, or angelic beings. They are all just projections of our mind. Also the precious parasol represents the crown chakra called Sahasrara. Sahasrara (Sanskrit: सहस्रार, IAST: Sahasrāra, English: "thousand-petaled") or crown chakra is generally considered the seventh primary chakra, according to most tantric yoga traditions (wiki)

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Ushnisha Sitatapatra

Sitātapatrā (Sanskrit: "White Parasol",) is a protector against supernatural danger. She is venerated in both the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. She is also known as Ushnisha Sitatapatra. Sitātapatrā is a powerful independent deity as she was emanated by Gautama Buddha from his ushnisha (thats the topknot you see on top of Buddha's head). Whoever practices her mantra will be reborn in Amitābha's pure land as well as gaining protection against supernatural danger and black magic. Wikipedia

When viewing images and rituals in Buddhism try to keep in mind all of this is about the mind whether it's our mundane mind or an enlightened mind.

White Umbrella Deity, she who emanated from the crown protrusion of Shakyamuni Buddha, is the Great Expeller who turns away evil harms. There is an elaborate prayer ceremony known as the "White Umbrella Deity Torma Offering For Turning Away Harms" that calls upon the powerful actions of White Umbrella Deity to drive away terrifying fears and dangers. Amitabha Buddhist Centre hosts this all-day puja as part of our annual Medicine Buddha Healing Festival, for the benefit of our members and benefactors. The Sangha perform age-old rituals of invocation, extensive offering, and requesting prayers to White Umbrella Deity and her retinue, and entreat her protection from a host of harms. Find out more about White Umbrella Deity and catch glimpses of the proceedings in this short video.

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