Fahai Temple Great Hero Hall: Hariti

CHINA, Beijing; Ming dynasty

Hariti is a Sanskrit name that means “joyful mother.” She is one of the 20 heavenly beings painted on the left side of the north wall in the Great Hero Hall of Fahai Temple. Hariti was once an ogress who abducted and fed on the children of others. In order to admonish her, the Buddha hid her young son, Priyaka, in an alms bowl. Unable to find her child, Hariti became frantic and sorrowful. She came to understand the pain she was causing others, and vowed to become a protector of young children and mothers during childbirth.
Hariti is portrayed as a heavenly maiden, wearing a tall golden headdress and holding a fan in her right hand. Her colorful robe is covered by necklaces and beaded ornaments. She gazes forward peacefully and lightly strokes her son, Priyaka, on the head with her left hand. Priyaka has his hair tied in a topknot with a red silk headband, and wears earrings, a necklace, and a red robe secured with a jade belt. His palms are joined, and he looks forward with an earnest expression.