Vairocana, the embodiment of all knowledge, also is the master of all arcane knowledge. His name suggests another aspect to him, that of radiance in all directions.
His gesture shows that he possesses all knowledge and keeps it secret. It is known in Sanskrit as the Bodhyagri mudra.
He usually sits as the "leader" of the five families of Buddhas in their centre.

In this magnificent image Vairocana is given all the care and aesthetic wholeness that craftsmanship will allow. From the profuse detail of his ornaments to the modestly secretive gesture of his head away from the viewer's gaze he is both enigmatic and extremely beautiful.

Of immediate note is the profusely detailed jewellry which employs sapphire, lapis lazuli, ruby, coral, turquoise etc. This extends to the rear of the image and it adds a rich magnificence to the image.

The image has interesting details about it such as the details of the hair jutting from beneath the crown in serried ringlets, the flows of hair along the shoulder line which is the Tibetan interpretation of the classical Indian motif of Shiva's hair falling down his shoulders like the Ganges river.