The most handsome statue of Indra (Taishakiten) in Japan
Unparalleled..अप्रतिम..
Taishakuten (帝釈天, Sanskrit: Indra) riding an Elephant, the most handsome statue from To-ji temple, Kyoto.
Indra, the King of Devas as per Hindu belief, charged with protecting the law after its incorporation into Buddhism.
Wearing an armor and holding a single pronged Vajra (Japanese: 金剛杵) he is sitting in a relaxed manner which is more reminiscent of a Indian sculpture.
Vajra (Japanese: 金剛杵) an implement modeled on an ancient Indian weapon, still used in esoteric rituals to evoke and please deities is also exhibited here.
(Image Source: Web)
This magnificent statue completed in 839 CE (Heian period) currently exhibited at Tokyo National Museum as part of a special exhibition on “National Treasures of To-ji Temple” along with other sculptures & Mandalas till June 2nd, 2019.
Photography is prohibited except for the statue of Taishakuten during this exhibition.
Exhibition link: https://toji2019.jp/en/index.html