Gundari Myōō

Gundari Myōō (軍茶利明王) is the wisdom king of the south among the Godai Myōō. His name is linked with the vessel that holds the nectar of immortality, kanro, and he is invoked to remove obstacles, poisons and illness. Serpents coil around his limbs: the poisons of the world, tamed and worn as ornaments.

Japanese 軍茶利明王, Gundari Myōō; also Kanro Gundari
Sanskrit Kuṇḍalī, Amṛtakuṇḍalī
Rank Wisdom king
Recognise by One face with three eyes, eight arms, snakes about the neck, arms and ankles, principal hands crossed at the chest
Direction South, emanation of Hōshō Nyorai

Identifying Gundari

Gundari stands with one face, three eyes and eight arms. The two principal arms cross at the chest, the hands forming the gesture of the great three-pronged vajra. Snakes wind around his neck, wrists and ankles, the clearest sign of his identity. His other hands hold a vajra, an axe, a wheel, a halberd and a rope, and one hand is often raised open in warning.

Meaning

The serpents stand for the poisons of passion and ignorance, which Gundari transforms rather than destroys, as a venom becomes medicine. His association with the nectar of immortality makes him a protector of health and long life, and he was invoked against epidemics and evil influences.

In Japanese art

The Gundari of the Tōji lecture hall, of the ninth century, sets the model. He appears in painted sets of the five kings and in the mandalas.

Collecting notes

  • The coiled snakes are carved separately on many figures and are often lost. Look for drill holes and grooves where they once sat.
  • Single Gundari figures are rare. Painted sets are the usual way to find him.

In the collection

Browse wisdom kings. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a Gundari image.

See also

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