Zashi Lhamo: The only female god of wealth in Tibetan

Zhaqi Lhamo (Tibetan: གྲ་བཞི་ལྷ་མོ; English: Zashi Lhamo/Zakiram) is broadly considered to be from Tibet.The most famous and unique female wealth deity, especially at Zhaqi Temple in Lhasa, is the only deity worshipped as the principal wealth deity. However, in the complex system of guardian deities in Tibetan Buddhism, she is not the only female wealth deity. For example, Palden Lhamo is also considered the giver of wealth and prosperity, and Zhaqi Lhamo is sometimes regarded as her earthly incarnation. 

The origin and legend of Zakiram

There are different accounts of the origin of Zhaqilam, one of which is a widely circulated story related to cultural exchanges between the Han and Tibetan peoples. 

• Legend of the Han Chinese Concubine: It is said that Zhaqi Lhamo was originally a favorite concubine of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. Because of her beauty, she was envied by other concubines and was poisoned to death. Her soul lingered because of her injustice. A passing Tibetan Buddhist high monk (Chezha Cang Living Buddha) took her soul back to Tibet out of compassion and used Buddhism to transform it, placing it in Zhaqi Temple, where it became a guardian deity protecting the area.

• The origin of the chicken-foot image: Legend has it that she was poisoned by an evil god, causing her tongue to turn black and elongate, and her feet to be cut off. However, due to her profound spiritual cultivation, her feet, resembling chicken claws, grew back. This seemingly terrifying image symbolizes her powerful ability to devour obstacles and subdue evil, as well as her capacity to overcome all difficulties and swiftly meet the needs of all beings.

Key information

• Status and Responsibilities: Zhaqilam is the protector deity of Sera Monastery and is also widely recognized as the most efficacious wealth deity in the Lhasa area. Believers believe she can bring wealth, peace, and health, and resolve difficulties.

• Appearance: She is typically depicted with a black face, a long protruding tongue, and a skull crown; sometimes she is described as a terrifying figure with chicken feet. Despite her fierce appearance, she is believed to possess compassion.

• Uniqueness: Zhaqi Temple is the only temple in Tibet dedicated solely to the God of Wealth.

• Divine Power: Believers believe that Zakiram can bring not only wealth and windfall, but also peace, health, and help overcome difficulties, and even help investments and businesses prosper.

• Offering preferences: Zhaqilam has a very unique preference— she loves to drink white liquor . Therefore, pilgrims who go to worship there usually bring white liquor as their main offering.

Zhaqilam's story blends elements of Han and Tibetan cultures, giving her a unique status in Tibet.