an intriguing post today, @slowwalker about the Four Great Kings and the four entrance gates to the Soo Deok Sa temple.
The Four Guardian Kings represent the four cardinal directions and each god is in charge of one - Vaishravana (North), Dhritarashtra (East), Virudhaka (South), Virupaksha (West).
It seems these Kings are aways depicted as muscular, heavily-armed warriors who guard the outer boundaries of the temple.
Apparently, they had their origins as indian gods and at some later date were incorporated into the Buddhist narrative as protective entities.
Your photos of these statues were impressive, @slowwalker as were your shots of the four gates.
An interesting post today, my friend.
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thank you as always
you're welcome, @slowwalker