Chapter 4: Japanese Buddhist Iconography (a Comparative Study)

❤ 135
Other features, such as, the nicely arranged jaṭa with a
miniature kirtimukha in the centre at the top of the elephant
head, the chain ornaments, the graceful posé etc. are
demonstrated in a remarkable manner. The above mentioned
sculpture bears similarities with the descriptions of the
god as found in the Brahmanical as well as in the Buddhist
texts.
It is not out of place to mention here that although
in Indian Buddhism, Gaṇeśa is held as the creator of obesta-
cles, the Japanese Buddhism, strangely enough, has not viewed
Gaṇeśa as the obstacle creator. In Japan, he is highly
revered as the giver of wealth. Among the few important
images, mention may be made about the embracing Kangi-ten
figures preserved in the Japanese temples. (Pl.XIX, Fig. 2.).
Indra Taishaku-ten
Indra or Taishaku-ten another important god of Hindu
pantheon is also regarded as an important deity in Buddhism.
In Buddhist mythology, he is always suservient to the Buddha,
and to the early Buddhists he was subject to death. There
is a popular belief in Buddhist faith that Indra or Śakra
is the attendant deity of the Buddha. He is also represented
in this manner in many paintings and sculptures.
Indra, the king of gods, played a very important role
in Buddhist pantheon. Though he is a subordinate god he is