Mahakala

An Indian idol described by Ibn al-Nadim. It has four arms and is indigo in colour, with abundant head hair, bared teeth and an exposed belly. ²

On its back is an elephant hide, dripping with blood. In one hand is a great serpent with its mouth open, in another a staff, in the third a human head, and the fourth is raised. In its ears are snakes like earrings, and on its head is a crown of bones. ²

Ibn al-Nadim reports that they claim it is a demon among the devils, deserving worship because of its great rank, and that it is the Terrifier. ²