Hand Painted Namgyalma Thangka Paintings (Ushnishavijaya)

Namgyalma, also called Ushnishavijaya and sometimes spelled Namgyelma, is the radiant female deity of long life, purification and protection. She is painted white, with three faces and eight arms, seated on a lotus throne with delicate jewel ornaments, and our artists in Boudha, Kathmandu paint each thangka by hand on cotton canvas with natural pigments and pure gold leaf. A monk blesses every one before it ships. Choose from eight paintings, from $128 for a small piece to $419 for a large 20" x 28" thangka, and we also paint to order. Looking for a meaningful gift for a milestone birthday or for an elder? Message us and we’ll help you choose. New to the deities? Start with our guide to Buddhist deities and their roles.

Three faces, eight arms: how to read a Namgyalma thangka

Every part of the painting carries a meaning.

  • Three faces: white, yellow and blue. In the tradition they stand for purification from disasters and obstacles, the blessing of long life, and victory over negativity.
  • Eight arms: each holds a sacred implement, symbols of her power to heal, clarify and protect.
  • A white, serene body: the color of purity. Despite her power, she is a peaceful deity.
  • The lotus throne and halo: the seat and light of an enlightened being.
  • Jewel ornaments and fine detailing: the mark of a carefully painted thangka.

Namgyalma is closely tied to purification practice, and her dharani (a long mantra-like text) is widely recited in Tibetan Buddhism for purification and long life. A thangka of her is a support for that practice and for reflection, and it does not promise particular health or longevity outcomes. It is not a substitute for medical care.

Namgyalma and the other long life deities

In Tibetan Buddhism, Namgyalma is one of the three deities of long life, together with Amitayus and White Tara. They are often painted side by side, and each has a different feel:

  • Namgyalma: the purification and long life deity, with three faces and eight arms. Choose her if you want a detailed, meaningful image with a purification theme.
  • Amitayus: the red Buddha of Infinite Life. See our Amitayus Buddha thangkas.
  • White Tara: the compassionate goddess of long life and healing. Read about Green Tara and White Tara.

A thangka for a milestone or for an elder

Because her theme is long life and well-being, Namgyalma is a popular choice for gifts: a milestone birthday, a retirement, a parent or grandparent, a new home. It is a thoughtful gift for a practitioner, and a beautiful piece of art for anyone who loves Tibetan culture. For ideas, see our guide to thangka art as a gift for spiritual milestones. Tell us the occasion and we can suggest a size and a brocade mount.

Choose by size and budget

  • Small pieces, from $128 to around $200: the 11" x 14" and 11" x 15" thangkas suit a personal altar, a desk or a bedside shelf, and make a good first piece or a gift.
  • Mid-sized pieces, around $250 to $320: the 12" x 18" and 16" x 24" thangkas give more presence on a wall.
  • Large pieces, around $315 to $420: the 18" x 24" and 20" x 28" paintings show the fine detail in the faces, arms and ornaments best, and are right for a shrine room or a feature wall.

Prices depend on size, the amount of gold work and the detail in the painting. If you want a different size, or a specific form of Namgyalma, we paint to order through our commission page. For general advice, read how to choose the right Buddhist thangka, or try our Pick Your Thangka guide.

A note on practice

Namgyalma practice is traditionally received from a qualified teacher, and the dharani is often given by transmission. You do not need to practice to display a Namgyalma thangka as sacred art, and many people keep one out of respect for the tradition. If you practice, ask your teacher how to place and care for the image.

Why buy a Namgyalma thangka from Buddha’s Art of Healing

  • Painted by hand, never printed, by master artists using natural pigments, pure gold leaf and organic cotton canvas, with strict adherence to traditional iconography. Meet our artists, or see how a thangka is made.
  • Blessed by a monk before it leaves our gallery.
  • Made at the source, at our gallery by Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, and operating since 1976. Read our story.
  • Made your way. Ask for a custom size or a silk brocade mount. Why brocade matters in a thangka explains the tradition.
  • Shipped worldwide with tracking and insurance, rolled and wrapped in protective silk. See our shipping policy.
  • Easy to verify. Our guide to authentic vs replica thangkas shows how to tell an original from a print.

Caring for your thangka

Natural pigments and gold are stable, and they can last for generations if you handle the thangka carefully. Hang it at or above eye level on a clean, quiet wall or altar, never on the floor, and keep it away from bright sunlight, humidity and dust. Our Buddhist altar setup guide shows how to arrange the space.

Explore more deity thangkas

Browse all of our Buddhist deity thangkas, including the wealth deity Jambhala, and the wisdom Yamantaka. For the Buddhas, see our Buddha thangka paintings.

FAQs for Hand Painted Namgyalma Thangka Paintings (Ushnishavijaya)

Who is Namgyalma in Tibetan Buddhism?

Namgyalma, also called Ushnishavijaya, is a powerful female deity of long life, purification and protection.

What is the significance of her three faces and eight arms?

Her three faces are white, yellow and blue. They stand for purification from disasters, the blessing of long life and victory over negativity. Her eight arms hold ritual implements that symbolize her power to heal, clarify and protect.

Is Namgyalma the same as White Tara or Amitayus?

No. They are three different deities, and together they are known as the three deities of long life. Namgyalma has three faces and eight arms and is linked with purification.

Is a Namgyalma thangka a good gift?

Yes, especially for a milestone birthday, an elder or a practitioner. Tell us the occasion and we’ll help you choose.

How are your Namgyalma thangkas created?

Each one is hand painted by master artists using natural pigments, pure gold leaf and organic cotton canvas, in strict adherence to traditional iconography. A monk blesses each one before it ships.

Will the colors and gold fade over time?

Natural pigments and delicate gold detailing can last for generations, but you must handle the thangka carefully. Keep it out of strong sunlight, humidity and dust.

Do I need an empowerment to own a Namgyalma thangka?

No. You can display a thangka as sacred art without practicing. Practice is traditionally received from a qualified teacher.

Can I order a custom Namgyalma thangka?

Yes. Tell us the size and mounting you want through our commission page, and we will paint it for you.

Will it arrive safely, and what if there is a problem?

We roll the thangka carefully, wrap it in protective silk, and ship it worldwide with tracking and insurance. If something goes wrong, read our refund policy and contact us, and we will help.

Ready to bring Namgyalma home?

Choose your thangka above, or tell us the size and mounting you want through our commission page and we’ll paint it for you. Questions first? Message us on WhatsApp.

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