From the 11th century onward, the New (Sarma) Schools identify Vajradhara as the primordial Buddha (Adi Buddha): the inner form of Shakyamuni, and progenitor of the Vajrayana Buddhist system. He occupies the first rank in the Buddhist pantheon, and typically features as the first teacher of a tantric lineage. From him emanate the five Dhyani Buddhas, the purification deity Vajrasattva, and meditation deities including Chakrasamvara.

He represents the highest state of enlightenment, its abstract perfection, the sum of all Buddhist teachings. Sculptures of Vajradhara therefore serve as secondary representations, reminding practitioners of the deity's otherwise formless essence, which is beyond human comprehension.