Ssanggyesa Temple, South Gyeongsang Province
Two of the four Devas, Heavenly Kings, in Cheongwangmun, the third gate proceeding towards the interior of Ssanggyesa temple complex. As devotees of Buddha, these figures guard Buddhist canons and are the protective deities of monks and other faithfuls. On the right is Damun-cheonwang, the chief of the four kings and protector of the north, wearing heavy armour and carrying his symbolic weapon, the umbrella. On the left is Gwangmok-cheonwang, the king of the west and one who sees all. His symbolic weapon is a snake or red cord that is representative of a dragon.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Fri Jul 04, 2014