The Mongolian war god adopted into Tibetan Buddhism as a dharmapala is Begtse.
Begtse began as a pre-Buddhist Mongolian war deity and was incorporated into Tibetan Buddhist religious traditions as a protector of the Dharma. In Tibetan contexts, he is also known as Jamsaran, a name associated with his great coat of mail. His name, Begtse, derives from a Mongolian term meaning “coat of mail.”
Traditional images show him with red skin, fiery hair, three bloodshot eyes, and a sword. He carries a human heart and is depicted wearing armor, a helmet, and a crown of skulls. These fierce features symbolize the transformation of aggressive forces into guardianship rather than simple villainy.
Begtse is sometimes confused with Mahakala, Hayagriva, or Yamantaka, all major wrathful Buddhist figures. They share frightening imagery but are distinct deities with different origins, attributes, and ritual roles. In Mongolia and Tibet, Begtse is especially associated with warrior symbolism and Cham dance traditions.