Jambhala, God of Riches

Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 242

In Mahayana Buddhism, Jambhala is the god of riches and the guardian of the northern direction. He is the Buddhist equivalent of Kubera, the ancient nature spirit (yaksha) absorbed in early Hinduism as the protector of jewels and other treasures. Jambhala serves as the chief of the yaksha; his secondary role as a directional guardian (dikpaka) was probably assumed later.

Jambhala, God of Riches, Copper alloy, Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura

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Jambhala, God of Riches, Copper alloy, Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura
Jambhala, God of Riches, Copper alloy, Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura

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