Shanhua Temple Great Hero Hall: Hariti

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Jin dynasty

Hariti, one of the Twenty-Four Heavenly Beings within the Great Hero Hall, is located along the east well. Formerly known as the “Mother of Demons,” she devoured children until an encounter with Sakyamuni Buddha changed her. She took refuge in the Buddha and swore to protect the Dharma and cease killing.
She is depicted with a benevolent expression while crossing her hands at her chest in the gesture of great compassion. The figure wears a headdress about a high topknot and a necklace. The long robe she wears is Chinese-style and overhung by embroidered stoles. The tips of the shoes are upturned in the cloud shaped style. Next to Hariti stands a ferocious yaksa that is one of her children.