The Mahoraga (Sanskrit: महोरग) are a race of deities in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Like the nāga, they are often depicted as anthropomorphic beings with serpentine bodies from the waist down. However, their appearance can differ depending on artistic tradition, sometimes having serpent heads with humanoid bodies.[1]
Buddhism
An illustration from an 1866 Japanese book. Mahoraga, who is an incarnation of Bodhisattva Kannon in this scene, gives a sermon to folks.
The Mahoraga are one of the eight classes of deities (aṣṭasenā) that are said to protect the Dharma. They are described as huge subterranean serpents who lie on their sides and rotate the earth, which occasionally causes earthquakes.[2]
Like the kinnara, the mahoraga are also associated with music. They are understood as being associated with large serpents such as pythons, while the nāgas are more closely related to the cobra.[3]
According to the Śariputraparipṛcchā Sūtra (T. 1465), one is reborn as a mahoraga as a result of practicing generosity and upholding the Dharma, while being inclined toward anger.
Cultural Impact
The manga Jujutsu Kaisen features a character often translated as Mahoraga, but that is a mistranslation. The correct one, Eight-Handled Divergent Sword Divine General Makora, is inspired by one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals. In the series, it is a powerful spirit called a "shikigami" which can be summoned by its user; it is depicted with a wheel similar to the Dharmachakra, (Wheel of Dharma) above its head, referencing its origin.
References
^Nishigori, Ryosuke. Tenbu no Butsuzo Jiten. Tokyo Bijutsu, 1983
^Buswell, Robert E., Jr., & Donald S. Lopez Jr., Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton University Press, 2013
^Kobuta, Yura & F.E.A.R. Mikkyo Mandara. Shinkigensha Co., Ltd., 2000
