Kongoji Temple: Usnisavijaya Mandala

JAPAN, Osaka, Kawachinagano; Kamakura period

Reciting the Usnisavijaya Dharani Sutra is thought to eliminate illnesses, prolong life, and ensure the healthy delivery of babies. This mandala, based on the sutra, depicts Vairocana Buddha in the Diamond Realm. It was bequeathed to Kongoji Temple, and the central figure was used as a model for the main statue enshrined in the Golden Hall. In 1900, the mandala was listed as an Important Cultural Property.
Vairocana Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a beautifully colored lotus throne within a moon disc. The Buddha wears a tall crown and forms the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra. Acala is depicted in the bottom right corner and Trailokyavijay is in the bottom left corner. These two deities have flaming mandorlas and sit in lotus position on lotus thrones. The floor beneath them is decorated with a checkered floral pattern. More floral patterns are painted around the border of the image.