Avalokiteśvara has an extraordinarily large number of manifestations in different forms. Some of the more commonly mentioned forms include:

Sanskrit
 Chinese Meaning Description
Aryavalokitesvara 聖观自在 Sacred Avalokitesvara The root form of the Bodhisattva
Ekādaśamukha 十一面 Eleven Faced Avalokitesvara Additional faces to teach all in 10 planes of existence
Sahasra-bhuja Sahasra-netra 千手千眼 Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara Very popular form: see and helps all
Cintāmani-cakra 如意轮 Wish Fulfilling Avalokitesvara Holds the jewel Cintamani
Hayagrīva 馬头 Horse Headed Avalokitesvara Wrathful form; simultaneously bodhisattva and a Wisdom King
Amoghapāśa 不空绢索观音 Avalokitesvara with rope and net Hlder of the infallible lasso, Vajra of Equal Guidance.
Pāndaravāsinī 白衣 White and Pure The direct forbear of Guan Yin

The 33 Manifestations of Avalokitesvara

According the scriptures, Avalokitesvara can transform into 33 incarnations (depending on situations) and save beings from 13 types of disasters. The following are the 33 manifestations of Avalokitesvara.

Avalokitesvara who holds the willow branch Avalokitesvara of the dragon head Avalokitesvara who holds the sutras
Avalokitesvara of complete light Avalokitesvara of enjoyment or playfulness Avalokitesvara who wears white robes
Avalokitesvara who sits on a lotus leaf Avalokitesvara who views waterfalls Avalokitesvara who gives medicine
Avalokitesvara of the fish basket Avalokitesvara the King of Merit Avalokitesvara of moon and water
Avalokitesvara of the one leaf Avalokitesvara of blue throat Avalokitesvara, powerful and virtuous
Avalokitesvara who extends life Avalokitesvara of various treasures Avalokitesvara of the rock cave
Avalokitesvara who bestows calmness Avalokitesvara of 1,000 hands and eyes Avalokitesvara of fearlessness
Avalokitesvara who wears robe of leaves (Parnashabari) Avalokitesvara of Vaidurya Avalokitesvara of salvation
Avalokitesvara of the clam Avalokitesvara of 6 hours Avalokitesvara of universal compassion
Avalokitesvara of Ma-Lang's wife Avalokitesvara of prayer Avalokitesvara of Oneness
Avalokitesvara of non-duality Avalokitesvara holding the lotus Avalokitesvara of pure water

 

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