Dhodeydrag Monastery: Sakyamuni Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats

BHUTAN, Thimphu

This thangka is kept at Dhodeydrag Monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan. The central figure, Sakyamuni Buddha, sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne, surrounded by Vajradhara, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the Eighteen Arhats. The Buddha has a green nimbus and a radiating aureole. He wears a red monastic robe and forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. The robe is decorated with golden floral and cloud patterns. Below the throne, heavenly beings sitting on clouds make offerings that represent the five senses: a mirror for sight, a lute for sound, a white conch for smell, a dish of food for taste, and a red silk stole for touch.
Vajradhara is in the center of the upper register. The Eighteen Arhats are painted in the upper corners and down the sides. They wear variously colored robes and carry different objects. The Four Heavenly Kings, backed by flames or clouds, are depicted at the bottom of the thangka. The background of hills and trees is predominantly colored in green.