Brahma Standing on a Turtle Surrounded by the Four Lokapalas, Guardians of the Cardinal Directions

Sri Lanka

Not on view

The lokapalas stand in each of the four cardinal directions as protectors of both the Buddhist dharma (teachings) and the religious community. Texts speak of monasteries being constructed on grids symbolically marked with these deities, leaving the specific ritual function of these sculptures an open question.

The deity Brahma is Lord of the Center.

Brahma Standing on a Turtle Surrounded by the Four Lokapalas, Guardians of the Cardinal Directions, Bronze, Sri Lanka

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Brahma Standing on a Turtle Surrounded by the Four Lokapalas, Guardians of the Cardinal Directions, Bronze, Sri Lanka
Brahma Standing on a Turtle Surrounded by the Four Lokapalas, Guardians of the Cardinal Directions, Bronze, Sri Lanka
Brahma Standing on a Turtle Surrounded by the Four Lokapalas, Guardians of the Cardinal Directions, Bronze, Sri Lanka
Brahma Standing on a Turtle Surrounded by the Four Lokapalas, Guardians of the Cardinal Directions, Bronze, Sri Lanka

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