Vaishravana
Central Regions, Tibet
First Half of the 15th Century

-Vaishravana is the guardian deity of the north and a god of wealth.

-He is sitting on a snow lion.

-He holds a mongoose which is spitting out jewels, a symbol of of generosity. He also holds a victory banner.

-There are eight demon lords in this image who are on horseback.

-There are clouds around the demon lords which contain the the eight auspicious symbols which are the wheel, fish, knot, vase, banner, jewel, conch, and lotus. The seven royal accessories are also depicted which are the wish granting jewel, minister, elephant, horse, general, a queen and a precious wheel.

-On the left is a man who in an attempt to banish worldy desires is happily dumping out a bag of precious goods.

 

This site was created by Sarah Rowe at the NEH Summer Institute "Literatures, Religions, and Arts of the Himalayan Region," held at the College of the Holy Cross, Summer 2008.