As you walk the sacred path toward the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) in Ngong Ping, Hong Kong, you’ll be greeted by twelve striking stone statues lined up in formation — these are the Twelve Divine Generals, also known as the Twelve Heavenly Generals.
They are protective deities of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, and have their origins in India, though they were later adopted and reinterpreted across China, Japan, and other Buddhist cultures. Each general symbolizes a zodiac sign, hour of the day, month, and cosmic direction, serving as fierce guardians of the righteous and protectors of the Buddhist faith.
🔮 Symbolism & Significance
In Chinese Buddhist tradition, these twelve warriors represent the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac, which you can identify by looking at their sculpted heads. They are also commonly seen guarding the gates of Buddhist temples, which explains why they flank the entrance archway to Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha.
Let’s get to know them one by one:
🐓 Mihira
- Time: 5PM – 7PM
- Zodiac: Rooster
- Weapon: Vajra
- Symbolizes indestructibility and power, just like a diamond or thunderbolt.
🐒 Andira
- Time: 3PM – 5PM
- Zodiac: Monkey
- Weapon: Mallet
- A fierce protector armed for impact.
🐐 Anila
- Time: 1PM – 3PM
- Zodiac: Sheep
- Weapon: Arrow
- Sharp and focused, with a piercing strike.
🐶 Vajra
- Time: 7PM – 9PM
- Zodiac: Dog
- Weapon: Sword
- A symbol of loyalty and unwavering defense.
🐎 Sandira
- Time: 11AM – 1PM
- Zodiac: Horse
- Weapon: Shell
- His conch shell represents wisdom and awakening.
🐗 Kumbhira
- Time: 9PM – 11PM
- Zodiac: Boar
- Weapon: Broad sword
- A commanding presence known for his strength.
🐀 Vikarala
- Time: 11PM – 1AM
- Zodiac: Rat
- Weapon: Vajra
- A vigilant guardian during the late hours.
🐍 Indra
- Time: 9AM – 11AM
- Zodiac: Snake
- Weapon: Staff
- Wise and balanced, with deep spiritual strength.
🐂 Catura
- Time: 1AM – 3AM
- Zodiac: Ox
- Weapon: Sword
- Slow and steady, but unwavering in his protection.
🐉 Pajra
- Time: 7AM – 9AM
- Zodiac: Dragon
- Weapon: Bow and sword
- Dual-wielding and fiercely mythic.
🐇 Mahoraga
- Time: 5AM – 7AM
- Zodiac: Rabbit
- Weapon: Axe
- Swift and graceful, yet lethal when needed.
⏰ Why 12?
The Twelve Generals not only represent:
- The 12 Chinese zodiac signs
- The 12 hours of the day (in traditional Chinese timekeeping)
- The 12 months of the year
- The 12 directions of the cosmos
They also guard the faithful for every hour of the day, offering protection from spiritual and physical harm.
🌏 A Lesson in Belief & Culture
Whatever your own beliefs may be, learning about these Twelve Divine Generals offers a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist cosmology and East Asian symbolism. Each statue is beautifully sculpted and imbued with meaning — they’re not just impressive works of art but also spiritual sentinels that embody strength, healing, and devotion.
🧘♀️ I loved seeing them up close — and knowing their symbolism made the walk to the Big Buddha feel even more powerful and sacred.
📣 🌟 Have you seen the Twelve Divine Generals at Ngong Ping?
Which zodiac general do you connect with the most? Let me know in the comments!
💬 If you need a guide to the Big Buddha or Po Lin Monastery, check out my other blog entries or drop a message below — I’d love to help you plan your visit!
.png)
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading! Please share and like my Facebook page :)