Shikkongo Shin

Todai-ji, Nara, Japan

Shikkongo Shin, or Vajradhara, is a form of Indra. His name means "Thunderbolt Bearer." He carries a thunderbolt (Japanese kongo, Sanskrit vajra) in his right hand, a weapon against the enemies of Buddhism.

In Japan, Shikkongo Shin most often takes the form of the two Nio (Kongo Rikishi, or Vajrapani) which guard temple gates. Thus, statues of Shikkongo Shin in his single form, such as here, are comparatively rare.

The statue is made of painted clay. It is about 5 1/2 feet tall, and dates to 733. In the past, it may have been treated as a "secret image" (hibutsu) to be shown only on special occasions. It is now on view in the Sangatsu-do (Hokke-do).