Each of his six arms hold specific attributes. In his upper right and left hands he holds an elephant goad and a noose respectively. In his lower right hand he holds a club. A sword is held in his lower left hand. He holds a lotus and a skull cup in his primary left and right hands while supporting his Prajna.
Heruka figures define religious attainment through detachment from delusion and ignorance.
The jina Buddha Amitabha, the progenitor of Hayagriva, is depicted in the top center of the painting. Hayagriva is also associated with Padmasambhava, who is shown seated to the right of Buddha Amitabha. Vajrapani, the fierce protector and manifestation of energetic wisdom, is represented on the Buddha's far left. Four angry deities, probably members of Hayagriva's retinue, are depicted around the central figure. A bowl with offerings of the five senses is shown directly below Hayagriva.