Shalu Monastery Central Hall Avalokitesvara Shrine: Naga King

CHINA, Tibet, Shigatse

Located in the Avalokitesvara Shrine in the circumambulation passage on the first story of the central hall, this image dates from the 14th century. The Naga King has a white body and four arms. Sitting with his head turned slightly to the side, he wears a golden crown, earrings, and ornaments. Two of his hands are joined in reverence in front of his chest; the other two hold the stalks of decorative lotus flowers outlined with gold flame patterns. The heads of seven nagas, each topped with a flaming jewel, emerge from behind the king’s head. Their colorful tails wrap around the king’s lower body, forming the shape of a lotus bud. The nimbus and the aureole are decorated with jewels. Two columns topped with a rainbow arch form the outer edge of the mandorla.