毘沙門天立像

The Deva Vaisravana, known in Japan both as Tamonten and Bishamonten, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings who guard against evil in the four cardinal directions. Originally Hindu protectors of Lord Indra, the four kings were converted to Buddhism. Like his three counterparts, Bishamonten is dressed in Chinese armor, holds a halberd, and stands upon a demon (jaki). His scowling face shows his strength and determination to battle against evil. In Japan, Tamonten, protector of the north, surpassed the others in importance and came to be worshipped independently as Bishamonten.