Ssanggyesa Temple, South Gyeongsang Province
On the left in Cheongwangmun, the third gate proceeding towards the interior of Ssanggyesa, is Jiguk-cheonwang, Heavenly King of the east and God of music: harmonious, compassionate and protecting all beings. His symbolic weapon is the pipa (stringed instrument). On the right is Jeungjang-cheonwang, King of the south, the ruler of the wind. His symbolic weapon is the sword, to protect the Dharma and the southern continent. In Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Fri Jul 04, 2014