The
16 arhats (those who had extinguished all defilements) originated
from India during the time of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is believed that the
Buddha entrusted his teachings to the 16 great arhats when he was about
to pass away. The Buddha instructed them to remain in this world,
dwell in different lands, and disseminate his teachings to
benefit all sentient beings. The 16 arhats can be individually recognised
by standard attributes, such as an incense burner, a fly whisk, a miniature
stupa, a glowing gem, or a string of jewels. The sixteen Arhats are:
|
| 1. |
Angaja |
the
Arhat with a sac |
|
2.
|
Ajita |
the
Arhat riding a deer |
|
3.
|
Vanavasin |
the
Arhat under the banana tree |
|
4.
|
Kalika |
the
dust cleaning Arhat |
|
5.
|
Vajriputra |
the
persuading Arhat |
|
6.
|
Sribhadra |
the
Arhat who crossed the river |
|
7.
|
Kanakavatsa |
the
jolly Arhat |
|
8.
|
Kanakabharadvaja |
the
alms holding Arhat |
|
9.
|
Bakula |
the
silently seated Arhat |
|
10.
|
Rahula |
the
Arhat in deep concentration |
|
11.
|
Gudapanthaka |
the
door watching Arhat |
|
12.
|
Pindola
Bharadvaja |
the
Arhat with long eyebrows |
|
13.
|
Panthaka |
the
Arhat with stretched arms |
|
14.
|
Nagasena |
the
ear cleaning Arhat |
|
15.
|
Gopaka |
the
scripture holding Arhat |
|
16.
|
Abheda |
the
stupa holding Arhat |
|
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The
Neten Chudrug thongdroel unfurled at the outer wall ofthe
Guru Lhakhang in Tashichhodzong |
 |
Bhutan's largest thongdroel, depicting the 8th century Nyingma master, Guru Padmasambhava, as Ngangsoed Zilnon at Tashichhodzong |
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Tashichhodzong
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