ORIGIN: Buddhist (India)
TYPE: Bodhisattva or buddha-designate
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP: Circa 500 BCE to present
CENTER(S) OF CULT: Pan-Asiatic
ART REFERENCES: Metal and stone sculptures, paintings.
LITERARY SOURCES: Sadhanamala and Tantric ritual texts
INFORMATION: One of the most popular deities of the Mahayana and Hinayana sects of Buddhism. He originates from the yellow mantra symbol MAIM in the Tusita heaven. He is also regarded as a manusibuddha or future human buddha. He equates with Kalkin in Hinduism and is perceived as a happy, rubicund figure of benevolent character. He has no Sakti and his attendant animal is a lion. Also Mi-Lo Fo (Chinese)
COLOR: gold or yellow
ATTRIBUTES: Five Dhyanibuddhas, flower, prayer wheel, shrine (in the hair) and water jar. May be three-eyed or three-headed. He may also be identified symbolically by white blossoms.