This mural likely represents figures from Tantric or cremation-ground iconography, often used in Newar ritual art, with deep links to death, rebirth, and transformation:

1. The Skeleton (possibly a Chitipati or a Yamantaka guardian)

Represents death, impermanence, and the cycle of life. In Tibetan Buddhism and Newar Buddhism, skeleton figures called Chitipati are guardians of the cremation grounds and serve as reminders of mortality. Often shown joyfully dancing, they symbolize the celebration of impermanence and the transience of material life.

2. The Female Figure (possibly Kali or a Tantric goddess like Chamunda)

The wild hair, extended tongue, and red attire are classic features of Kali, the goddess of time, destruction, and power. In Nepal, she is often represented in cremation grounds, standing among the dead, symbolizing liberation through death. The green shoots she holds are a reference to life and regeneration, commonly used during Dashain and other harvest festivals, symbolizing life emerging from sacrifice.

3. The Dogs or Jackals

These are sacred animals often associated with Kali and Shiva, known to dwell in cremation grounds. They symbolize guardianship of thresholds, death, and spiritual transition.

In Newar and Tantric art, such imagery is not morbid—it’s deeply spiritual. It reflects the cycle of life and death, the thin line between divine and terrifying, and the idea that liberation comes not through denial of death, but through confronting it directly.

Why you’ll see this in Patan:

Patan has a strong Tantric heritage that blends Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Murals like this are often painted on walls near temples, rest houses, or cremation sites, reminding viewers of the impermanence of life and the power of the divine feminine.

Patan, Kathmandu 23july25