This dark-blue/black form of the six-armed (Skt: Shadbuja) Mahakala (also called "Nagpo Chenpo", Tib: gnag po chen po; or by the Tibetans just "lord", Tib: mGon po) was originally brought to Tibet by Khyungpo Naljor, the founder of the Shangpa Kagyu School. It became popular in the Sakya and Kagyu traditions and was later adopted into the Gelugpa School, becoming the principal protector. There is also a White Six-Armed Mahakala (Skt: Shad-bhuja Sita Mahakala; Tib: mGon po yid bzhin nor bu) popular among Mongolian Gelugpas and the Shangpa Kagyu School.

"The Lord of Pristine Awareness has six hands and a body dark blue in colour. The first two hold a curved knife and skullcup, the middle two a human skull mala and trident, the lowest two a damaru drum and lasso. Adorned with a tiger skin, garland of heads, bones and snakes, and small bells on the hands and feet. Standing in a manner with the two legs together pressing down on Ganapati. With three eyes, bared fangs, eyebrows, beard and hair flowing upward with Akshobhya as a crown. Anointed with a sindhura drop on the forehead. Supported behind by a sandalwood tree, dwelling in the middle of a blazing mass of fire." (Jonang Taranatha, 1575-1634).

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