Who Is Simhanada Lokeshvara? Meaning, Iconography, and Role in Buddhist Practice

Avalokiteshvara is an ancient Sanskrit name, and it has a profound meaning. “Ishwara”  means the Lord, the Divine, or the Supreme Being; “loka” means the world; and “ava”  means to look down. Lokeshvara: the lord of the world, the name is a shortened form of Avalokiteshvara: the Lord who looks down on the world. He looks upon the world with infinite compassion eyes that see the suffering of all beings and a heart that responds with boundless love.

This compassionate Lord in Hindu philosophy is commonly associated with Shiva, who is the embodiment of supreme consciousness. Avalokiteshvara is even in many traditions a projection or reflection of Shiva himself, as in the broad understanding of divinity, the Lord is everywhere and all-powerful and omniscient. There is nothing beyond this infinite compassion.

Among the many sacred manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, Simhanada Lokeshvara, the “Lord with the Lion’s Roar,” stands out as a radiant symbol of healing and spiritual power. The 5th-century Sādhanamālā describes this form as sitting in the elegant Maharaja Lilasanam posture, riding a lion, and carrying sacred symbols like a sword on a lotus and a trident entwined around a snake. These symbols show how wisdom, purity, and protection work together.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the lion's roar of Simhanada Lokeshvara is the sound of truth being awakened. It is a call that eradicates ignorance and suffering. People who believe in this form think of it as a heavenly healer whose gentle strength eases suffering and offers serenity to the soul. Simhanada Lokeshvara's calm strength tells us that compassion is the strongest roar in the universe.

Who is Simhanada Lokeshvara? 

Simhanada Lokeshvara, revered as the “Lord with the Lion’s Roar,” is known to be the 85th form among the 108 manifestations of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion. His sacred practices are described in the ancient 5th-century text Sādhanamālā, a collection of meditative and ritual instructions that reveal the diverse forms of enlightened compassion.

Belonging to the Kriya class of Buddhist Tantra, this form emerges from sacred texts such as the Simhanada Tantra and the Arya Avalokiteshvara Dharani. Within these teachings, Simhanada Lokeshvara is venerated as a divine healer, capable of curing all diseases, even the most severe.

In Nepal, he is deeply worshipped at Jana Baha (Machindra Bahal) in Kathmandu, especially during the twelve Lokeśvara Vrata rituals held throughout the year. In this manifestation, Avalokiteśvara takes on a more active and protective form, determined not to let even a single being suffer unnoticed. As both healer and guardian, Simhanada Lokeshvara embodies the roar of compassion, a sound that awakens the heart, dispels affliction, and brings the light of healing to all who call upon him.

Avalokiteshvara Simhanada: A Sacred Healer From Ancient Rituals to Global Reverence

Avalokiteshvara Simhananda's legacy has endured for hundreds of years, impacting numerous people across Asia. Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen (1182–1251 CE), a revered Tibetan scholar and healer, helped spread the word about his healing abilities. Tradition says that Sakya Pandita used the holy healing rites of Simhananda to cure Goden Khan of leprosy, which was forever associated with Avalokiteshvara Simhananda with miraculous healing.

In these old traditions, Avalokiteshvara Simhananda is called upon in ceremonies for calming the nagas, who are said to safeguard the soil. In several depictions, these nagas are portrayed showing their devotion to Avalokiteshvara and recognizing how compassionate he is. People think that rituals and pujas dedicated to Simhananda can treat leprosy, cancer, and other skin diseases that are supposed to be caused by nagas. People give torma (holy baked goods) and incense to the nagas during these ceremonies to thank them. The nagas' devotion to Avalokiteshvara's compassion is seen to be the secret to their appeasement and the healing they provide.

Simhananda's practice is one of the Thirteen Golden Dharmas, a set of significant teachings that have been passed down through centuries in the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Sakya lineage great teachers like Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158 CE) have passed it down as an important discipline. The discipline itself comes from ancient India, where great masters like Chandragomin and Suvarnadvipa taught it. In the 11th century, famous people like Rinchen Zangpo, Jowo Atisha, and Bari Lotsawa Rinchen Drag introduced it to Tibet. All schools of Tibetan Buddhism now follow Avalokiteshvara Simhananda's teachings, which continue to provide healing and compassion to people all over the world.

Iconography of Simhanada Lokeshvara

Posture (Maharaja Lilasanam):

• Simhanada Lokeshvara adopts the Maharaja Lilasanam posture, a royal seated position that combines serenity with the majesty of the divine.
  
  
• He sits with one leg raised, embodying a relaxed yet powerful meditative stance, which conveys both inner peace and strength.

Vāhana (Mount - Lion):

• The lion serves as his mount, symbolizing immense courage, strength, and the fearless roar of compassion.
  
  
• Known as the king of beasts, the lion highlights Simhanada Lokeshvara’s capacity to overcome all obstacles through the power of compassion and wisdom.
  

Symbols:

• Sword on a Lotus:
  The sword resting upon a lotus represents the cutting of ignorance and the dispelling of delusion, offering wisdom that reveals truth.
  
  
• The lotus symbolizes purity, showing that even amidst the world’s chaos, his wisdom remains untouched.
  

Triśūla (Trident) entwined by a Snake:

• The trident symbolizes protection and spiritual power, while the snake entwining it represents transformation and the overcoming of negative influences or harmful energies.

Deer Skin:

• The deer skin draped over his shoulder symbolizes spiritual asceticism, purity, and protection.
  
  

• It represents renunciation of worldly attachments, underscoring his role as a fearless protector and guide to liberation.
  

Face:

• His face exudes both serenity and power, reflecting divine compassion.
  
  
• The expression on his face embodies his ability to comfort those in suffering while dispelling darkness through strength and wisdom.
  
  

Third Eye:

• The third eye on his forehead signifies awakened perception and inner sight.
  
  
• This eye represents the ability to perceive deeper truths and see beyond the material world, offering divine wisdom to guide beings toward liberation.
  
  

Meditation Asana (Tiger Skin):

• The tiger skin used as a meditation seat signifies spiritual victory, the ability to overcome desire and ignorance to gain courageous insight.
  
  
• It highlights inner strength and the ability to face life's challenges with a clear and fearless mind.
  
  

Modern Practice, Mantras, Chants, and Offerings

The practice of Avalokiteshvara Simhananda is one of the Thirteen Golden Dharmas of the Sakya order. It is regarded as an important practice within the Sakya order and descends through great masters such as Bari Lotsawa Rinchen Drag to Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158 CE). The practice originated in India, from ancient masters such as Chandragomin and Suvarnadvipa. It then entered Tibet in the 11th century through the efforts of Rinchen Zangpo, Jowo Atisha, Bari Lotsawa, and others. This practice is now found in all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

Essence Mantra of Simhanada Lokeshvara

The Essence Mantra is a condensed invocation of the deity’s power, compassion, and transformative energy. It connects the practitioner directly with the healing force of Simhanada Lokeshvara, whose lion’s roar dispels suffering and ignorance.

OṂ ĀḤ HRĪḤ SIṂHANĀDA HŪṂ PHAṬ

• OṂ: The primordial sound representing the essence of the universe and the connection to the divine.
  
  

• ĀḤ: A seed syllable that invokes the power of transformation and purification.
  
  

• HRĪḤ: A mantra that embodies compassion and divine wisdom, opening the heart to spiritual understanding.
  
  

• SIṂHANĀDA: Refers to the Lion’s Roar, symbolizing strength, courage, and the sound of truth that eradicates suffering.
  
  

• HŪṂ: A mantra of powerful protection and transformation.
  
  

• PHAṬ: Represents the cutting through illusion, dispelling darkness and ignorance with the light of wisdom.
  
  

Chanting this essence mantra, especially during meditation or rituals, helps to invoke the presence of Simhanada Lokeshvara and aligns the practitioner’s energy with the deity’s compassionate and healing nature.

Root Mantra of Simhanada Lokeshvara

The Root Mantra is a more complete invocation, capturing all the qualities of Simhanada Lokeshvara as the Bodhisattva of Compassion and protector from suffering. This mantra is often recited in full during detailed rituals or in personal practice to thoroughly connect with the deity’s powerful healing qualities.

NAMO RATNA TRAYĀYA / NAMA ĀRYA AVALOKITEŚHVARĀYA /
BODHISATTVĀYA / MAHĀSATTVĀYA / MAHĀKĀRUṆIKĀYA /
TADYATHĀ / OṂ AKAṬE / VIKAṬE / NIKAṬE / KAṬAṂ KAṬE /
KAROṬE KAROṬE / VĪRYE SVĀHĀ

• NAMO RATNA TRAYĀYA: This is an invocation to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), recognizing the refuge and support they provide on the path to liberation.
  
  

• NAMA ĀRYA AVALOKITEŚHVARĀYA: This honors Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), acknowledging his wisdom and infinite compassion for all beings.
  
  

• BODHISATTVĀYA: Acknowledges the nature of Simhanada Lokeshvara as a Bodhisattva, one who has achieved enlightenment but remains in the world to help others achieve liberation.
  
  

• MAHĀSATTVĀYA: Refers to the Great Being, signifying Simhanada Lokeshvara’s profound capacity to assist beings in their spiritual journey.
  
  

• MAHĀKĀRUṆIKĀYA: Acknowledges the great compassion of Simhanada Lokeshvara, whose heart is filled with boundless empathy for all living beings.
  
  

• TADYATHĀ: A phrase that introduces the invocation to the deity, signifying that the following words are sacred and meant to be spoken with reverence.
  
  

• OṂ AKAṬE / VIKAṬE / NIKAṬE / KAṬAṂ KAṬE / KAROṬE KAROṬE: These syllables are powerful seed sounds (Bīja Mantras) that invoke the protective and transformative energies of the Bodhisattva. They represent the various manifestations of his wisdom and power to dispel negativity and bring healing.
  
  

• VĪRYE: Refers to the energy or strength of the Bodhisattva, which protects and empowers practitioners.
  
  

• SVĀHĀ: A closing syllable that seals the invocation, signifying offering and affirmation of the mantra's power.
  
  

This root mantra is deeply empowering and is often used in rituals, ceremonies, and meditations to invoke the full spectrum of Simhanada Lokeshvara’s compassionate qualities.

Chanting and Offering Practices

These mantras are often chanted in recitation sessions, prayer ceremonies, or individual meditation to invoke the powerful protection, wisdom, and healing qualities of Simhanada Lokeshvara. They serve as a means to connect with the compassionate roar of the Bodhisattva, eliminating suffering and ignorance from the practitioner’s life.

Offerings like torma (ritual cakes), incense, light offering, and flowers can be placed before a statue or image of Simhanada Lokeshvara while chanting these mantras. These offerings are made with sincere devotion, symbolizing the practitioner's pure heart and desire for spiritual growth and healing.

Conclusion:

Simhanada Lokeshvara, the Lord of the Lion's Roar, is the ultimate combination of wisdom, healing, and fearless compassion. Devotees pray to him because they think he is one of the 108 incarnations of Avalokiteshvara. They ask him to treat ailments, especially those caused by nagas or snake entities, and to keep them safe from harm, danger, and concealed threats. Through his ancient mantras and meditation techniques, believers connect with his protective and transformational energy, which gives them strength, clarity, and spiritual healing. His strong symbols, such as the lion, sword, lotus, and trident, remind us that kindness is the best way to end suffering and bring balance back to the body and soul.

Simhanada Lokeshvara's teachings encourage people to be compassionate, brave, and mindful in whatever they do and think. His kind presence not only heals sickness and ignorance, but it also encourages bravery and inner tranquility. Saying his mantras or praying in front of his picture can bring healing, protection, and the realization of infinite love inside. His roar, which has lasted for ages, still echoes across time, guiding all beings to health, wisdom, and freedom through the power of compassion.