Iconographic Differences between Vajravarahi and Kurukulla
The most venerated manifestation of the feminine essence in Tibetan Buddhism is called "Dakini" in Sanskrit and "Khandro/Khandroma" in Tibetan. They refer to themselves as "sky dwellers" or "sky dancers." They are a feminine representation of both humanity and divinity. Simply put, a dakini is a woman who represents knowledge.
As they are associated with energy in all its incarnations, dakinis are linked to the revelation of the Anuttara Yoga Tantras or Higher Tantras, representing the path of transformation.
Numerous Buddhist, Tantric, Hindu, and other mythologies reference Dakini. Hinduism reveres Dakini as the Deity who devour human flesh and takes the form of Kali. The Vajrayana formulation of the Three Jewels has several representations of Dakini. They are shown as being a type of spiritual power.
Vajravarahi: The Tantric Deity Of The Siddhas
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In Tibetan, Vajravarahi is referred to as Dorje Phagmo, whereas in Sanskrit, she is known as Indestructible (vajra), Sow (varahi). As a renowned yidam deity and the companion of Chakrasamvara, her practice is critical in the Tibetan Kagyu traditions. Her identifying feature is the Sow's head, which frequently occurs over or behind her right ear.
She is frequently seen in union with other enlightened individuals. Hayagriva and Avalokiteshvara are her other two consorts, with Heruka Chakrasamvara serving as her principal consort.
The Five Negative Afflictions, which represent 5 obstacles that prohibit Buddhists from gaining enlightenment by concealing the true nature of life, are purportedly transformed by Vajravarahi, a Dakini and spiritual power.
The 5 afflictions/ obstructions are;
- Greed
- Hatred
- Delusion
- Envy
- Pride
Portrayal of Vajravarahi 
Typically, Vajravarahi is portrayed with a red body and three piercing eyes that have youthful, passionate, and occasionally wrathful expressions. She is shown with two hands, a trident in her left hand, a skull cup filled with ambrosia overflowing with blood in her right, and a dagger in her right. She has her left leg in the air like she's dancing (diamond posture). She stepped over a body to symbolize the destruction of illusions and the victory over the ego. She frequently appears with flames of antiquated knowledge. Her tawny hair likewise shoots up in a fire-like motion.
She is often seen wearing a sow's head as an ornament on the side of her body; in other instances, she even sports one herself. Buddhism uses the pig as a symbol of ignorance. This represents the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.
Mantra of Vajravarahi
"Om Vajravarahi Hrim Hung Phat Soha"
In Vajrayana Buddhism, which has its mantra, rituals, sadhanas, and hidden empowerments, she is a tenacious female Tantric Buddhist deity. She is the one who stands in for the route to becoming a female Buddha.
The mantra practice is a culmination of all the critical elements of the Secret Mantra levels. Practices of the Deity swiftly offer benefits, particularly in this age of spiritual degeneration. When we perfectly follow these directions, all the Buddhas promptly bestow their tremendous and profound gifts upon us. Our temporary assistance from these gifts eventually enables us to reach the ultimate objective of total awareness.
Kurukulla: The Supreme Dakini Deity
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Kuru- "who does or is the doer" or "creates and destroys," and Kulla- "traditions or knowledge system," are combined to form Kurukulla. Kurukulla is a deity of infinite magic, and his name is pronounced "koo roo koo lah." She is the Deity of enchantment, attraction, and affection in Vajrayana Buddhism. She is frequently referred to as "Rigjema" or the "Mistress of Knowledge" by Tibetan practitioners.
Kurukulla is a dakini who embodies the most incredible wisdom that vanquishes ignorance and converts negative emotions into pure consciousness. She is related to the four tantric Buddhist enlightened activities of tranquillity, enrichment, attraction, and subjection.
She can restrain sensuous inclinations and use them as a tool for obtaining the greater truth of Dharma. According to the Vajrayana tradition, her awakened mind is bursting with passion and great loving compassion. But in her case, it is believed that these honest impulses are directed toward the welfare of sentient creatures and are not motivated by self-interest. She reaches out with love and compassion to stop their suffering.
Portrayal of Kurukulla
Source: Enlightenment Thangka
Kurukulla is lively, vibrant, strong, and enticing. She has a red-light body in the illustration. The red light stands for the Lotus family and her magnetic personality. To represent her status as a deity of wisdom, she dances, as do other Dakinis, and beneath her feet is the asura Rahu.
She has an intense, flaming red look, which symbolizes passion and desire. Kurukulla displays her magical tools, such as a flower-adorned bow and arrow, rope, and elephant goad, which she employs to charm people, tie them, and lure them into her land of liberty. Kurukulla's weapons are covered with red lotus blossoms that erupt in swarms of aggressive red bees.
They are mesmerized by the scent of the lotus flowers, charmed by the buzzing of the bees, and puzzled by the red clouds of joy. They are consequently fascinated and open to Kurukulla's ethereal magic. A foe may become a friend, a disobedient person might find a passionate companion, and a sinner might well be persuaded to lead a life of holiness. Her charm can bring about complete joy, end strife, and soften even the hardest hearts.
Mantra Of Kurukulla
"Om Kurukulle Hrih Svaha"
The ultimate goal of Kurukulla's powers is to transform consciousness, which is the highest goal envisioned by the Buddhist tradition. Therefore, a knowledgeable practitioner may select Kurukulla as a meditation deity (yidam) and chant her mantra to master all phenomena, thoughts, and perceptions as well as their own body, speech, and mind, supreme tranquility, ultimate truth, and primordial awareness. At this most spiritual end of the spectrum, Kurukulla performs the top kind of magic, changing common understanding into the transcendent bliss and non-dual knowledge of a fully awakened Buddha.
Similarities between Vajravarahi and Kurukulla
Vajravarahi and Kurukulla both are highly revered as Buddhist Dakini. Both of these Dakinis are portrayed with the hue of red color. Both deities are depicted standing on a sun disc lotus seat with a dancing posture. In terms of garments, they have 5 skull crowns on their head and garlands of freshly severed heads. Behind these deities, there's a halo of wisdom flames.
Characteristic Differences among Vajravarahi and Kurukulla
Kurukulla is referred to as the 'supreme Dakini goddess,' while Vahravarahi is called the 'Tantric goddess of the Siddha.'
The standing posture with the red hue of the body may interpret the Deity to appear identical, but the ritual items they hold make it easier to differentiate. Vajravarahi with two hands holds Khatanga, a skull cup, and a curved knife with a vajra handle, while Kurukulla has four arms and holds a bow and arrow made of flowers.
