DESCRIPTION
The Four Heavenly Kings Art Sleeves
Virupaksha, Guardian of the West
Area of Protection: Western Continent
Sacred Weapon: Spirit Snake or Red Dragon
Complexion: Red
Symbolism: honoring the heavenly eye and aligning with heavenly will. Presiding over "Obey." Virupaksha has a dragon coiled around his right hand, symbolizing that in India, as in China, it is believed that the dragon can transform and represents the ever-changing nature of all things in society. We must be able to discern clearly amidst these transformations. In his right hand, he holds a precious pearl, representing the unchanging. No matter how things may change in the world, we must adhere to our original intentions steadfastly.
In Buddhism, the Four Heavenly Kings are important guardian deities among the heavenly beings, serving as the outer protectors of the chief god, Indra. They are said to reside on the slopes of Mount Sumeru, guarding the four continents of Jambudvipa, Pudgalavardhana, Uttarakuru, and Aparagodaniya. In Chinese tradition, it is believed that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang received assistance from the Northern Heavenly King, hence from the Tang Dynasty onwards, temples in the Chinese Mahayana Buddhism tradition began to enshrine the Four Heavenly Kings. However, in the Ming Dynasty novel "Fengshen Yanyi" (The Investiture of the Gods), the story of the Four Heavenly Kings was significantly altered, portraying them as the four demon generals aiding the tyrant Zhou, who were later killed by the combined efforts of Yang Jian and Huang Tian-hua. When Jiang Zi-ya was empowering the gods, under the command of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, he conferred upon them the title of the Four Heavenly Kings, entrusted with the responsibilities of expanding the nation, ensuring peace and prosperity.
Upon entering a temple, one would often first encounter the four statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, the guardian deities of Buddhism commonly known as the "Four Heavenly Guardians" or "Four Heavenly Kings." In Buddhist lore, within Mount Sumeru, there is a mountain named Cakravada Mountain with four peaks, each occupied by one of the Four Heavenly Kings, protecting one of the four cardinal directions, hence their title. Placing the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings in the main hall signifies not only their protection of the temple's gates and tranquility but also symbolizes the path to wisdom through the implements they hold.
"In their swords, lutes, umbrellas, and dragons, each displays their unique abilities." This explains why the Four Heavenly Kings reside in the temple's main hall, as it is a supplication for their protection, ensuring favorable conditions and national peace.
The depictions mentioned were created by Yao Wenhao during the Qing Dynasty. Yao Wenhao, also known as Zhuoting, was a native of Shuntian (modern-day Beijing) with uncertain dates of birth and death. He was a court painter during the Qianlong period, with works such as "Four Seasons Pictures" and "Portraits of Emperors Through the Ages" still existing. The statues of the Four Heavenly Kings are currently housed in the Taipei Palace Museum!
