Item: Indra (Indian God)

Indra and Indrani. Indra is also known by the name Shakra in early Buddhist sutras. Indra is related to the gods Zeus, Jupiter, and the Tantric deity Hevajra.

Identification: the God Indra, in a relaxed seated posture, is identified by the lotus flower blossom next to the left shoulder with a vajra scepter above, a unique crown - fan shaped, and a third eye on the forehead. The eye is typically in a horizontal position. Buddhist deities with a third eye have it in a sideways turned position.

Indra can sometimes be confused with the figures of Manjushri, Maitreya, Vajrapani and Avalokiteshvara who can also be found depicted in a similar seated posture but without the very broad fan shaped crown.

Jeff Watt 2-2014