F29, Jikokuten and F30, Tamonten
Jikokuten is one of the Shitenno (The Four Devas) who lived east
of Mt. Shamisen (Legendary Holy Mountain) protecting the east side
of the world. He and his loyal follower, Konjocho ( from the myths
of India a big dragon eating bird), conquered all devils. As a warrior
with an angry face, the statue is armored with a sword and jewels.
Another Deva, Tamonten, lived in the north side of Mt. Shamisen,
protecting the north side of the world and treasures. His followers
were Yasha and Rasetsu, who were originally devils before they became
believers in Buddhism. The statue is armored with a pike in his
right hand and a stupa in his left hand. In Japan he became one
of the Seven Deities and was widely worshipped by Samurai. However,
the Shitenno were dressed as aristocrats in India while they were
dressed in China as they were in Japan.
F32, Zohchoten and F33, Kohmokuten
Zohchoten lived
in the south side of Mt.Shamisen protecting this side of the world,
and he was regarded as the head of all devils. His red body was
clad in helmet and armor. A sword in his right hand in a gesture
of a very angry commander, he had followers of Kuhanda, a family
from Zohchoten, quick runner devils with the head of horses and
bodies of humans. Komokuten lived in the west part of the mountain
observing all humans and God's creatures, and protecting Buddha
hood. His red or yellow body clad in armor, he was a commander generally
with an angry look and three-forked heavy spear, brushes, sword
or halberd in his hands.
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