Item: Arhat/Sthavira (Buddhist Elder) - 16 Elders: Pindola Bharadvaja

Pindola Bharadvaja, the Elder (Tibetan: ne ten, bha ra dva ja so nyom len. Sanskrit: Sthavira Pindola Bharadvaja): the 12th arhat from the set of 16 great arhats, principal students of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

"On the Eastern [continent] of Purva-Videha is the noble elder Pindola Bharadvaja, surrounded by 1,100 arhats; homage to the One holding a book and begging bowl." (Sakya liturgical text).

The Sixteen Great Arhats are generally painted as a set. The full group would include the Buddha Shakyamuni accompanied by the 2 foremost disciples, the 16 arhats, the attendant Dharmatala, the patron Hvashang and the Four Guardians of the Directions - Vaishravana, Virupaksha, Dritarashtra and Virudhaka.

At the top left side is Amitayus Buddha, red in colour, with the two hands in the gesture of meditation.

Jeff Watt 3-2002