Simhananda Manjushri and Lokesvara, The two lion riding bodhisattvas
Simhanada Manjushri and Simhanada Lokeshvara are two unprecedented special forms of wisdom and activity, respectively, in Buddhism. Their forms are linked to the attributes of divinity, wisdom, and enlightenment, and they rule an important place in Buddhist mythology. Manjushri and Lokeshvara are two of the most worshiped Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. Manjushri represents great wisdom, and Lokeshvara—or Avalokiteshvara—is the bodhisattva of compassion. The respective Simhanada forms mean Lion’s Roar, referring to potent blessings in spiritual practices aimed at dispelling ignorance and providing cures for many ailments.
This blog discusses the evolution, features, and religious functions of Simha-nada Manjushri and Simha-nada Lokeshvara.
Who is Simhanada Manjushri?
Our Simhananda Manjushri Sculpture
Simhanada Manjushri is translated as Manjushri of the Lion’s Roar. Considering that Manjushri symbolizes comprehensive learning, he is shown using a sword to cut through illusory understanding and a lotus to represent purity. In his lion's roar form, he is depicted as a great and powerful lion to symbolically illustrate his dominance of ignorance and his guardianship of the dharma.
The iconography of Simhanada Manjushri
Simha-nada Manjushri stands out with a few distinct attributes that signify his purpose and power:
- Lion's Mount: An emblem of bravery being featured as riding a lion, this animal represents a forceful declaration of the truth. The roaring of a lion is an allegory of a proclamation of wisdom in anticipation of no qualm.
- Sword of Wisdom: His sword, Khadga, also known as the Khadgahis, leaves ignorance and the glamour of display, which are two forms of hindrances on the wheel of enlightenment.
- Lotus and Sutras: Manjushri, the lord of speech, carries a lotus with sutras or scriptures on it. He also carries a lotus, which symbolizes an unruffled surface and lightness, free from the blemish of the worldly realm.
Thus, he is revered as possessing the most potent and protective attributes. His lion’s roar is reported to cower the pillars of ignorance and skepticism, and this anchors the practitioners depending on it with rocks of profound knowledge and assurance. Simha-nada Vāgīśvara is practiced directly in gaining concentration for the purpose of dispelling ignorance and thereby gaining correct understanding.
The Significance and Symbolism of Simhanada Manjushri in Mahayana Buddhism
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Lord of Speech is generally viewed as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, a symbol of clarity and deep understanding in clearing up ignorance and delusion. In his form as Simha-nada Manjushri, or "Lion's Roar Manjushri," he assumes a powerful aspect, often riding a lion and signifying the strength and courage of wisdom.
In this form, Vāgīśvara represents absolute courage in declaring the truth, just as the lion roars, shouting down the darkness, calling out to anyone who will hear.
Similar to the practitioners, everyone is invited to develop ‘the wise fear and courage’ that grows one’s spiritual aspiration. Just like Simha-nada Manjushri, the lion symbolizes sovereign power in Simhanada Lokeshvara. But in the case of Lokeshvara, it also implies that he is a protective figure who saves the sentient beings from suffering and illness. The lion is an intermediary for his protective and curative energies to enhance his part of saving the suffering.
Who is Simhanada Lokeshvara?
Our Simhananda Lokesvara Sculpture
Simhanāda Lokeśvara is the one who cures all diseases—including leprous ones. He is revered at Jana Bähä in Kathmandu during the twelve Lokeśvara Vrata performances. He is the special form of Avalokiteshvara—the bodhisattva of compassion. In this form, Avalokiteshvara takes up a more aggressive pose for fear of missing out on saving even one being from suffering. Sylph, as a healer and as a protector, this form of Lokeshvara is also credited with destructive outbreaks of diseases and bodily infirmities.
Iconography of Simhanada Lokesvara:
The revered Simhanāda Lokeśvara is depicted in a white complexion with three eyes and a matted hair crown. He sits on a lion in a noble caste and sports tiger skin. Seated atop the moon's sphere, he exudes the same brilliance as the Lunar Guardian. In his left hand is a lotus bowl, and he holds a white trident in his right. The trident is twisted around by a white serpent.
The lion-riding Lokeshvara is characterized by certain attributes that enhance his compassionate yet powerful nature:
- Seated on a Lion Throne: Like Simhanada Manjushri, there is a posture of sitting or riding a lion—the emblem of his compassionate power.
- Amrita (Nectar of Immortality): Among the most noticeable objects he owns is a vase or pot loaded with amrita, the holy nectar thought to have healing powers. Amrita is supposed to heal bodily and spiritual diseases, therefore transforming pain into well-being.
- Multiple Arms Holding Sacred Objects: In some iconographical representations, Simhanada Lokeshvara has many arms needed to support items such as the lotus, the beads, or the bottle containing medicine. These items symbolize his power to bless and suffer, for it is said that the Bodhisattva can dispel suffering upon the faithful.
This form of Lokeshvara possesses two arms and one head. On the crown, he wears all the ornaments of a Bodhisattva and a tiny figure of Amitabha Buddha. Perched on a lotus throne atop a roaring lion, he is in the lalita attitude. He is showing the gesture of giving by holding a rosary in his right hand, sloppily hanging over his right knee. He holds a lotus stem with his left hand behind the left knee. He has a whitish complexion. His vision is thus: a skullcup and trident and a sword on a lotus.
A Comparison between Simhanada Manjushri and Simhanada Lokeshvara
In general, both are associated with lions, although their functions are quite different. While fury directed at ignorance and the shining upon of wisdom is the aim of Simhanada Manjushri, Simhanada Lokeshvara turns compassion to the purpose of healing and the activity of shielding. There are bodhisattvas who are depicted as providing equal and opposite to each other in Buddhism to meet the requirements of the two aspects of knowledge and charity.
Background to Simhanada Manjushri and Simhanada Lokeshvara Statues
Both Simhanada Manjushri and Lokeshavara share their origins with early Mahayana and Vajrayana literature; however, their Lion’s Rose forms belong more to the Tantras. These forms are part of occult practices where specific deities represent certain powers that the practitioner will need on their path.
Although originating from Tibetan Buddhism, the two deities have immediate engagements in Buddhist countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and some parts of China. Each of them embodies cultural interactions when local arts and iconic signs influence the representation of the bodhisattvas.
The Symbolism of Lion’s Roar in Buddhism
The principle of a lion's roar serves as the basis of interpretation devoted to studying Simhanada deities. In the teaching of Buddhism, the roar of the lion refers to the loud proclamation of the dharma. It applies to speech and also to the expression of virtues that remove ignorance and, therefore, lead to a decrease in suffering.
Its powerful sound is often associated with a call to awakening, to the performance of a calling to overcome oneself. Standing for wisdom, Simhanada Manjushri removes ignorance through the sound that it produces, and standing for curing sickness and suffering, Simhanada Lokeshvara eliminates suffering by offering its roar. In combination, they represent the two principles of the contemporary interpretation of the sutras, which expound the principles of the Buddha as the source of wisdom and compassion.
Why Do We Need the Simhanada Manjushri and the Simhanada Lokeshvara Now?
Both deities are an important part of Buddhism. The special nature of their personalities is a constant reinforcement of the principles of the mind and an emphasis on the heart. The blessing power of Simhanada Manjushri eradicates ignorance, and the healing blessing power of Simhanada Lokeshvara empowers and gives hope to the common practitioners to this very date.
According to traditional Buddhist culture, such bodhisattvas help everyone to embark on the search for enlightenment. Both the forms of Simhanada deities, for insight or to heal, show a way to a better life and a more compassionate future.
