Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

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Ontheway
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Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

Not many people mentioned him here, so I thought making this a topic dedicated to him, a Sotapanna King of Yakkhas.
Vessavana
One of the names of Kuvera, given to him because his kingdom is called Visānā (D.iii.201; SNA.i.369, etc.). He is one of the Cātummahārājāno and rules over the Yakkhas, his kingdom being in the north (E.g., D.ii.207). In the ātānātiya Sutta he is the spokesman, and he recited the ātānātiya-rune for the protection of the Buddha and his followers from the Yakkhas who had no faith in the Buddha. D.iii.194; he was spokesman because "he was intimate with the Buddha, expert in conversation, well trained" (DA.iii.962). He rides in the Nārīvāhana, which is twelve yojanas long, its seat being of coral. His retinue is composed of ten thousand crores of Yakkhas. (SNA.i.379; the preacher’s seat in the Lohapāsāda at Anurādhapura was made in the design of the Nārīvāhana, Mhv.xxvii.29). He is a sotāpanna and his life span is ninety thousand years (AA.ii.718).

The books record a conversation between him and Velukantakī Nandamāta, when he heard her sing the Parāyana Vagga and stayed to listen. When Cūlasubhaddā wished to invite the Buddha and his monks to her house in Sāketa, and felt doubtful about it, Vessavana appeared before her and said that the Buddha would come at her invitation (AA.ii.483).

On another occasion (A.iv.162; on his way to see the Buddha) he heard Uttara Thera preaching to the monks in Dhavajālikā on the Sankheyya Mountain, near Mahisavatthu, and went and told Sakka, who visited Uttara and had a discussion with him. Once when Vessavana was travelling through the air, he saw Sambhūta Thera wrapt in samādhi. Vessavana descended from his chariot, worshipped the Thera, and left behind two Yakkhas with orders to wait until the Elder should emerge from his trance. The Yakkhas then greeted the Thera in the name of Vessavana and told him they had been left to protect him. The Elder sent thanks to Vessavana, but informed him, through the Yakkhas, that the Buddha had taught his disciples to protect themselves through mindfulness, and so further protection was not needed. Vessavana visited Sambhūta on his return, and finding that the Elder had become an arahant, went to Sāvatthi and carried the news to the Buddha. ThagA.i.46f. Just as he encouraged the good, so he showed his resentment against the wicked; see, e.g., Revatī.

Mention is made of Vessavana's Gadāvudha* and his mango tree, the Atulamba**. Alavaka's abode was near that of Vessavana (SNA.i.240).

* SNA.i.225; the books (e,g., SA.i.249; Sp.ii.440) are careful to mention that he used his Gadāvudha only while he was yet a puthujjana.
As lord of the Yakkhas, it was in the power of Vessavana to grant to any of them special privileges, such as the right of devouring anyone entering a particular pond, etc. See, e.g., DhA.iii.74; J.i.128; iii.325 (Makhādeva). Sometimes, e.g., in the case of Avaruddhaka (DhA.ii.237), a Yakkha had to serve Vessavana for twelve years in order to obtain a particular boon (cf. J.ii.16,17). (Three years at J.iii.502.) Vessavana some times employs the services of uncivilized human beings (paccantamilakkhavāsika) DA.iii.865f. The Yakkhas fear him greatly. If he is angry and looks but once, one thousand Yakkhas are broken up and scattered "like parched peas hopping about on a hot plate" (J.ii.399). This was probably before he became a sotāpanna.
Vessavana's wife was Bhuñjatī (q.v.), who, like himself, was a devoted follower of the Buddha (D.ii.270). They had five daughters: Latā, Sajjā, Pavarā, Acchimatī, and Sutā. For a story about them, see VvA.131f.
http://www.palikanon.com/english/pali_n ... savana.htm

Vessavana King in protective stance.
79cd69ecbf9c61bacf22bb398d1683ca.jpg

Stone relief of Kuvera
bi_fig.039.jpg

Mahayana styled of Vessavana Maharaja
Statue_of_Vaisravana_(多聞天王_or_多闻天王;_Duowen_Tianwang),_one_of_the_Four_Heavenly_Kings_(四...,_in_the_Hall_of_The_Four_Heavenly_Kings_(天王殿)_of_Lingyun_Temple_(凌云寺_or_凌雲寺)_in_Leshan,_Sichuan,_China.jpg
Last edited by Ontheway on Sat Dec 04, 2021 5:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

There are some interesting events where Vessavana Maharaja interacts or having conversations with the Buddha or His disciples.

For example:
1) Nandamātāsutta from Anguttara Nikaya
https://suttacentral.net/an7.53/en/suja ... ript=latin

2) Mahāsamayasutta from Digha Nikaya
https://suttacentral.net/dn20/en/anandajoti

3) Āṭānāṭiyasutta from Digha Nikaya
https://suttacentral.net/dn32/en/ananda ... ript=latin

4) Cūḷataṇhāsaṅkhayasutta - Majjhima Nikaya
https://suttacentral.net/mn37/en/sujato ... ript=latin

5) Catumahārājasutta - Anguttara Nikaya
https://suttacentral.net/an3.37/en/bodhi

E7g6JSzVgAcdLOz.jpeg
Vessavana Maharaja statue, or known as "Thao Vessuwan" in Thai language, often seen in protective stance, placed in front of main temple building.
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

125103601_2795369124067108_7326927313258432848_n.jpg
Different appearance of Vessavana Maharaja in Thai culture. They depicted Vessavana Maharaja in different forms.

1) White coloured symbolises the past life story of Vessavana Maharaja as a humble human being that offered sugarcane juice to an ancient Buddha in the past and by that meritorious deed, many fortunate births of him occured in the future till now.

2) Green coloured symbolises Vessavana Maharaja's current status as a Protective Divine King of North. A pious devotee of Gotama Buddha and now a Sotapanna.

3) Red coloured symbolises Vessavana Maharaja being a glorious Deva in Tavatimsa Heaven. Though his abode was in Catumaharajika Heaven, he still can go up to Tavatimsa Heaven as we can see in Cūḷataṇhāsaṅkhayasutta.

4) Golden hued body appearance signifies Vessavana will soon succeed in development and become a Brahma in future.
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

Recitation of Atanatiya Sutta.
This sutta was presented by Vessavana Maharaja to Lord Buddha as protective verses against the mischievous or evil non-human beings, as well as a recollection of all seven Sammasambuddhas.

1) Atanatiya Sutta (Sri Lanka style chanting)
https://youtu.be/F2wPOsTz2x8

2) Atanatiya Paritta (Thai style chanting)
https://youtu.be/Z9sMnIKgtAA

3) Atanatiya Sutta (Thai style chanting for special event)
https://youtu.be/M9wqGS2h6mY

4) Atanatiya Sutta (Burmese style chanting)
https://youtu.be/kjh5vNQ3Ro8
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

Evolution of "Vessavana Maharaja" art design.
Kubera,_the_God_of_Riches_LACMA_M.69.13.8_(2_of_9).jpg
Kubera, India

unnamed (1).jpg
Vaisravana, China

2d09d73961017cbe133aa3ce006829b2.jpg
Kuvera, Tibetan
Last edited by Ontheway on Sun Dec 05, 2021 5:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

Evolution of "Vessavana Maharaja" art style
Bishamonten_(To-ji).png
毘沙門天 (Bishamon Ten), Japan

IMG_20211205_133741.jpg
Kuvera, Burma

157549330_111169484362726_3483086537981166463_n.jpg
Vessavana (Devaputta appearance), Thailand
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

Evolution of "Vessavana Maharaja" art form

main-image.jpeg
Lokapala Kubera, Sri Lanka

indonesia_prambanan_01_09_16_680_2_rs_wm_shiva_temple_lokapala_kubera.jpg
Kubera, Indonesia

IMG_20211205_140251.jpg
Vessavana (Yakkha appearance), Thailand
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
thomaslaw
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Location: Australia

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by thomaslaw »

Ontheway wrote: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:48 pm
Different appearance of Vessavana Maharaja in Thai culture. They depicted Vessavana Maharaja in different forms.

1) White coloured symbolises ... 2) Green coloured ... 3) Red coloured ... 4) Golden hued body appearance ... in development and become a Brahma in future.
Thanks for posting Vessavana Maharaja, and the four forms of the deva shown in Thai culture.

Are the four forms of the deva always presented at once in all four forms in one place/location/temple, or just freely in one or two or all four forms?

Also, is it only this deva, which is one of the four great devas, Catumaharajika Devaloka, worshiped or presented in Thai culture?

Thanks.
Ontheway
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Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

thomaslaw wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 9:14 am
Ontheway wrote: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:48 pm
Different appearance of Vessavana Maharaja in Thai culture. They depicted Vessavana Maharaja in different forms.

1) White coloured symbolises ... 2) Green coloured ... 3) Red coloured ... 4) Golden hued body appearance ... in development and become a Brahma in future.
Thanks for posting Vessavana Maharaja, and the four forms of the deva shown in Thai culture.

Are the four forms of the deva always presented at once in all four forms in one place/location/temple, or just freely in one or two or all four forms?

Also, is it only this deva, which is one of the four great devas, Catumaharajika Devaloka, worshiped or presented in Thai culture?

Thanks.
Hi. Thanks for reading. I'm just interested in their culture and did some research. :rofl:

Normally in Thai Buddhist temples, Vessavana Maharaja (or the Thais called Him ท้าวเวสสุวรรณ "Thao Vessuwan") is only presented in green colour or white colour body form, quite seldom in red or gold colour).

All four Catumaharajika Maharaja: Dhatharattha, Virulha, Virupakkha, and Vessavana were acknowledged by Buddhists in Thailand. But only Vessavana Maharaja received veneration the most.

ท้าวจาตุมหาราชหรือท้าวจตุโลกบาลทั้งสี่.png
The four Catumaharajika Kings (Thai: ท้าวจาตุมหาราชหรือ ท้าวจตุโลกบาลทั้งสี่), left to right: Vessavana, Virulha, Virupakkha, and Dhatharattha.

According to Thai Buddhist belief, Vessavana Maharaja is benevolent, extremely powerful, and overseeing human world, ghost realm, and Catumaharajika realm. He will help people during difficult days or when facing supernatural attacks.

But whoever wanted to get His lawful protection and blessings, one must pay homage to the Triple Gems, taken refuge in Triple Gems, and take five precepts at all cost. Without doing these, Vessavana King will not even look at those people (as if not worthy of his attention). The reason is because Vessavana Maharaja is a faithful devotee of Lord Buddha, a Sotapanna, and well versed in the Dhamma. Those virtuous people who are like him will gain blessings from Him too. (Ironically, nowadays there are many young Thai people, who are Hindu believers, argued that "Vessavana Maharaja" should be worshipped in the ways of Hinduism, and subsequently forget the rules above). Well, it is their beliefs and culture. :jumping:

Generally, only Yakkha or Naga statues are built in temple gates. If only one Yakkha statue, that should be 'Vessavana'. If there are two of them or more than that, they are usually local Yakkha spirits or Yakkha generals of 'Vessavana', or maybe from Ramakien story.

251379291_10208877274965553_6391179831167111962_n.jpg
This statue is dedicated to Vessavana Maharaja. It is golden hued and with Deva face.

2BCCA9D619F3432AA5D617AB98B6B042_1000.jpg
In this picture, there are two statues. So they are not "Vessavana". Left side Yakkha is "Ravana" or 'Tot-Sakan; ทศกัณฐ์", right side is "Sahassa-Teja" or "สหัสสะเตชะ". Both of them originated from Ramakien (Thai version of Ramayana).
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

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thomaslaw
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Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by thomaslaw »

Many thanks indeed.

Your detailed explanation gives me better understanding of the culture!
Ontheway
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Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

thomaslaw wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 12:07 pm Many thanks indeed.

Your detailed explanation gives me better understanding of the culture!
You are welcome. Just sharing what I know about Thai Theravada Buddhism culture. I'm not really familiar with Mahayana interpretation about Him.
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

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Ontheway
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Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

Amulet_69-48648-1.jpg

FB_IMG_1645548303025.jpg

FB_IMG_1645550083546.jpg
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

IMG_20220225_180426.jpg
Thao Vessuwan
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

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Ontheway
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Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

f1a964dd-608b-4b7c-be54-93579ed55a12.jpg
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
Ontheway
Posts: 3062
Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:35 pm

Re: Vessavana Maharaja from Catumaharajika Devaloka

Post by Ontheway »

270118377_1816737395190746_781894573662850717_n.jpg
"Iti pi so Bhagavā, yamarājāno Thao Vessuvanno, maranam sukham, Arahaṁ Sugato Namo Buddhaya. Thao Vessuvanno Catumaharajikā Yakkhabandha Bhatbhurito Vessa Phussa Buddham Arahaṁ Buddho, Thao Vessuvanno, Namo Buddhaya."

Recite 9 times

w1200 (1).jpeg
"Vessa Phussa"

Wat_Phrathat_Doi_Suthep_13 (1).jpg
"Oh ! It's you again... What now?"
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

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