Massive wooden statue created during the Edo Period (early 1600's to mid 1800's). Tamonten is the heavenly King and Guardian of the North. He is all knowing and hears everything in the kingdom. He is a god of warfare (with armor as seen in this photo) and warriors, and he punishes evil forces. In this photo his foot is on the squished head of an evil force. In his right hand he holds and protects a pagoda, a divine source of treasure from which he gives wealth to only “the worthy.” In his left hanhd he holds a spear to keep away distractions and contamination. Tamonten also is the guardian of the places from which Buddha preaches.
Todai-ji is a Buddhist temple originally built in 752 c.e. It was reconstructed in 1692 c.e. but only at 2/3 the size of the original temple - still very large. No nails were used in its construction. At first (752 c.e.) Todai-ji was the head temple for all Japanese Buddhist temples. Currently it is the Japanese headquarters for one sect of Buddhism - Kegon.
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