Yangchenma (Saraswati) is Brahma’s consort and the goddess of wealth and knowledge. This is the account of the origin story of Yangchenma in accordance with the Sutra Sama tok Koe: Once Avalokiteśhvara was absorbed in a profound Samadhi known as the Lha Tamche Kenpa. In the depths of his profound knowledge, he realized that while those who already desire a path of Dharma will always seek the teachings of enlightened beings, those who preferred worldly experiences over experiences of liberation would not think of taking enlightened beings as their teachers. He knew that they would only worship gods which are the guardians of worldly fortune. Thus, arose in him the intention to create the various worldly gods. 

Yangchenma, the youthful goddess of fortune and knowledge emerged from his mouth. 

She is depicted here seated on the disc of a full moon, youthful in appearance, her hair loosely dangling on her shoulders. Her white complexion and untied hair represent her freedom from the obscurations of ignorance, while the full moon she is seated upon represents the fullness of the compassion she feels for all beings. The piwang instrument that never ceases to create soothing melodies represents the soothing melody of the wisdom that she grants to those who wish for wisdom, clearing away the ignorance like the moon clears away the pitch darkness of night.

The thangka comes framed in a traditional silk brocade border.