Mahasiddha
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Mahasiddhas are a type of eccentric yogis or adepts important in Tantric Buddhism. They represent the mystic and unconventional which, in Tantric thinking, is often associated with the highest levels of spiritual enlightenment. They are typically contrasted with arhats, the austere saints who achieved Buddhahood but not much else. (How do arhats, who are held in such high regard by every school of Buddhism, end up the losers in the comparison? Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that arhats are about the best thing Theravada Buddhists can even imagine, which just confirms their limitations in the eyes of their rival Tantric Buddhists).
Mahasiddhas are a form of bodhisattva, meaning they not only have the spiritual abilities to enter nirvana whenever they please, but they are so compassionate they decide to remain in samsara instead to help others. Mahasiddhas are often associated with historic persons, but nonetheless typically have magical powers which they achieve by the efficacy of their spiritual practice.
By convention there are 84 Mahasiddhas in the Tibetan Buddhism branch of Tantric Buddhism; they are often depicted together as a matched set in works of Tibetan art such as thangka paintings where they may be used collectively as border decorations around a central figure.
Each Mahasiddha has come to be known for certain characteristics and teachings, which facilitates their pedagogical use. On of the most beloved Mahasiddha is Virupa, who may be taken as the patron saint of the Sakyapa sect. He lived in 9th century India and was known for his love of alcohol and his ability to stop the progression of the sun. He is often depicted relaxing with a beer in one hand and the other hand outstretched to stop the sun in the sky so he can enjoy his drink a bit longer.
Other Mahasiddhas include Marpa, the Indian translator who brought Buddhist texts to Tibet, and Milarepa, Marpa's student and the first native-born guru in Tibet. In Buddhist iconography, Milarepa is always represented with his right hand cupped against his ear, as he listens to the dharma and the all-important oral transmission which anchors the non-Nyingmapa lineages (i.e. the Sakyapa, Kadampa, Kagyupa, Gelugpa lineages).
A partial list of the Mahasiddhas:
Charbaripa Dombhi Heruka Ghantapa Indrabhuti Jalandhara Jogipa Kambhala Kantalipa Krisnacharya Kukkuripa Nagabodhi Nagarjuna Naropa Marpa Milarepa Saraha Shantideva Shavaripa Tantepa Tilopa Udhilipa Virupa