Shuanglin Temple Heavenly King Hall: Brahma and Sakra

CHINA, Shanxi, Jinzhong; Ming dynasty

Brahma and Sakra, the divine rulers face each other in the hall. Sakra, originally a Hindu deity was included quite early in the Indian Buddhist pantheon as a Dharma protector. The bearded figure of Sakra is depicted wearing the hat and robes of a Ming dynasty (1368–1644) official.
The Surangama Sutra describes Brahma, as “One ready to be enlightened who is pure and upholds the precepts; the one who can command all others.” The figure wears an ornate phoenix crown, normally worn only by women, and has soft features. The straight line of the nose leads to a mouth not much wider than the nostrils and a rounded chin. The figure’s hands are raised in anjali (reverence) mudra as he glances to the left. The curling patterns of the robe are similar to those of the crown, while the deep sleeves and floral hem are the same in style as Sakra’s. The figures wear shoes with upturned cloud-style soles.