Himalayan Art Resources

Subject: Avalokiteshvara Hindu Adaptations (Peaceful)

Avalokiteshvara (Iconographic Index)

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
--- Karandavyuha Sutra (Selections)
- Vishnu:
--- Hari Hari Hari Vahana Bhavan
--- Lokeshvara/Hayagriva
- Shiva:
--- Hala Hala Lokeshvara
--- Nilakanta (Blue Throat)
--- Padmajala/Padma Narteshvara (Dance)
--- Simhanada Lokeshvara (Lion's Roar)
- Hindu Adaptations (Wrathful)
- Confusions
- Others...

Video: Avalokiteshvara Hindu Adaptations (Peaceful)

The earliest Buddhist text that directly discusses the relationship between Avalokiteshvara and various Hindu gods is the Karandavyuha Sutra where Avalokita is presented as a Universal Lord, or 'loka nata' or 'loka ishvara'. He is described as a universal being and creates and emanates nine of the most famous Hindu gods of the time which include Vishnu and Shiva. The universal form of Avalokita is known as Shristhikanta and described in a number of mid 2nd millennium Newar religious writings.

There are two well known Avalokita peaceful adaptations of Vishnu. They are known as the Hari Hari Hari Vahana Bhavan and the Lokeshvara/Hayagriva. Both are based on narrative stories related to the life story and narratives of the many avatars of Vishnu.

There are four well known Avalokita peaceful adaptations of Shiva. They are Hala Hala Lokeshvara, Nilakanta, Padmajala/Padma Narteshvara, and Simhanada Lokeshvara.

Jeff Watt 10-2024