Six-syllabled Avalokiteshvara is widely used for devotional practice of Yidam or Istadevata. Six-syllabled Avalokiteshvara six-syllabled mantra Om Mani Padme Hung has become so popular that it has been a household mantra for every buddhist in Mahayana tradition. It is said that the fully enlightened mind has three great qualities: Great compassion, Wisdom and the Skillful Means to benefit all sentient beings. The great compassion is the attitude that all the sentient beings be freed from every form of suffering, pain and dissatisfaction. Such great compassion and altruistic attitude which strives toward complete enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings is here symbolized by this four-armed Avalokiteshvara.

The traditional author great Thangtong Gyalpo describes him thus:

Upon a white lotus and moon seat, the syllable Hrih arises. The letter then transforms into four-armed Avalokiteshvara. Six-syllabled Avalokiteshvara has a white, translucent body that radiates five coloured lights. Six-syllabled Avalokiteshvara has a smiling expression and gazes upon us with compassionate eyes. Six-syllabled Avalokiteshvara has four hands, the first two pressed together at his heart and the lower two holding a crystal rosary and a white lotus. He is adorned with silks and jewelled ornaments and wears an upper garment of an antilope skin. His crown is adorned with Amitabha. If we rely on this sadhana of Avalokiteshvara and recite mantra Om Mani Padme Hung with strong faith and devotion we will definitely achieve realizations of great compassion and supreme Buddhahood. It is said that as Avalokiteshvara benefits sentient beings with the help of six syllable mantra he is called Six-syllabled Lokeshvara. The importance and grandeur of this mantra is well explained in the Guna Karandavyuha sutra. About a half dozen images of Six-syllabled Lokeshvara are found in Patan alone in stone sculptures.