Wisdom King; Vidyaraja
Buddhist term for a wrathful deity who protects the Dharma and removes obstacles. Often depicted with fierce expressions and multiple arms.
Fudō Myōō is considered the central figure among the Five Wisdom Kings.
Statues of Wisdom Kings have a wrathful appearance.
菩薩 (Bodhisattva) is a compassionate being on the path to enlightenment, whereas 明王 is a fierce guardian figure.
Standard kanji spelling for the Buddhist Wisdom King.
Irregular kanji usage found in some sources; not the standard spelling.
From Middle Chinese 明王 (mˠiæŋ ɦʉɐŋ), translating Sanskrit vidyārāja (wisdom king).