Tormas (gtor ma) are a ubiquitous part of Tibetan Buddhist material culture. Sometimes called “butter sculptures,” tormas can be made of dough, butter, wood, and other substances, and they are often colored with intricate shapes and designs. Related to Indic Buddhist bali offerings, tormas are used in various rituals, including offering and propitiation.
Given the incredible complexity of different torma designs and functions, a great deal of scholarship remains to be done. I hope that this gallery may serve as a resource for anyone seeking to understand different types of tormas.
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Bhutan
Bumthang
Paro
India
Bodh Gaya
Royal Bhutanese Monastery
Kagyu Monastery
Tamang Monastery
Darjeeling
Dungon Samten
Drug Sangnag
Sonada
Ladakh
Hemis
Lamayuru
Spithuk
Stakna
Takthok
Sikkim
Karma Nunnery
Pal Karma Zurmang Shedup
Ngor Sakya
Mongolia
Ganden Khiid
Ganden Phuntsokling Khiid
Daschan Chokhorling
Tashicholing
Tibetan Plateau
Gyantse
Samye
Shalu
