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

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

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

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.