Palden Lhamo (Sanskrit: Mahashri; also known as Shridevi or the Goddess of Fortune) is one of the most revered protective deities in Tibetan Buddhism Origin & Names Rooted in Hinduism and Brahmanism as a goddess of prosperity and blessings, she was later incorporated into Buddhism. Legend holds she is the sister of Vaishravana (the Heavenly King of Wealth), earning her the epithet "Goddess of Merit." In Tibetan, she is affectionately called "Palden Lhamo," meaning "Glorious Goddess” Iconography Depicted in a wrathful yet auspicious form: · Blue-skinned with fiery red hair, wearing a five-skull crown and adorned with lion-snake earrings · Three eyes (symbolizing wisdom), a wide mouth with protruding fangs, and a necklace of human bone beads · Clad in a tiger skin skirt and a human skin upper garment, with a sun emblem on her abdomen · Riding a mule (marked by an eye on its rump) over a inverted human skin mat · Holding a ritual staff in her right hand and a skull bowl (filled with nectar) in her left Spiritual Significance Elevated as the guardian deity of Lhasa since the 7th century, when King Songtsen Gampo enshrined her during the construction of Jokhang Temple. She is believed to bestow wisdom, prosperity, and protection, cherished by Tibetans—especially young people—for blessings in life and relationships. Festival Celebration The 15th day of the 10th Tibetan lunar month is "Palden Lhamo Festival" (also called "Women's Festival"). Monks from Muru Nyingba Monastery perform grand rituals at Jokhang Temple, while the festival has evolved into a beloved occasion honoring women in Tibetan culture.