Kukkuripa (also Sri Shantibhadra) is an outstanding Indian tantrik , one of 84 Buddhist mahasiddhas , especially revered among the founders of the Kagyu line of Tibetan Buddhism . He gave instructions to Marpa, the translator, who came to India in search of Buddhist teachings. He is considered the author of several poems in the works of Charyapad .
Born in a brahmana family, lived in Kapilavastu .
Biographical information about Kukkuripa is episodic, in the Biography of Marpa he is presented as a resident of a poisonous island. This is what it says about the search for Kukkuripa in Marpa's Biography (inaccessible link) :
Naropa told Marpa: “From here to the island in a poisonous lake is a half-month-long path. Poisonous water first reaches the ankles, then to the knees, then to the hips, and, in the end, you have to swim. Swim from tree trunks to trunks. If two trees grow together, then go through them. When you leave even a slightly open piece of land, spend the night there. Kukkuripa’s body is covered with hair, the face is like a monkey. The complexion is very poor. And he can turn into anything. Tell him, without losing the feeling that Naropa sent you, and ask him to give you the teachings of Mahamai and other teachings. ”
The story of Kukkurip is also contained in the biographies of 84 mahasiddhas. He is also called a dog lover, he lived on the island surrounded by dogs, and the biography says that he refused the invitation of the gods to feed a stray dog.