Acala

Acala or Achala also known as Acalanātha or Āryācalanātha, is a wrathful deity and dharmapala (protector of the Dharma) prominent in Vajrayana Buddhism and East Asian Buddhism^[1] Acala is often shown in a fierce, “wrathful” form: his body is usually dark blue or black, and he has a flaming aura. He carries a sword in one hand, symbolizing wisdom that cuts through ignorance, and a noose in the other hand, which represents his power to bind negative forces.

Acala’s role is not only as a protector but also as a destroyer of obstacles — both external (evil spirits) and internal (ignorance, fear).^[2] Some Buddhist traditions use mantra recitation and fire rituals (goma) to honor him. His mantra, for example, is “Om Acalanatha Hum Phat” (in Sanskrit) or “Nōmaku Sanmanda Bazara Dan Kan” in Japanese Shingon belief.