also: てんりょう
deva and naga; heavenly beings and dragon deities
Buddhist term referring collectively to devas (heavenly beings) and nagas (dragon/serpent deities), often as protectors of the Dharma.
In Buddhist art, the eight kinds of beings including devas and nagas are often depicted.
heavenly dragon; celestial dragon
A dragon associated with the heavens or celestial realms; can be used in mythological or literary contexts.
A heavenly dragon appeared from between the clouds.
the eight legions; eight kinds of Buddhist guardian deities
Standard kanji spelling; the reading てんりゅう is the most common.
Alternate reading; less common and may appear in older or specialized Buddhist contexts.
Compound of 天 (heaven, celestial) and 竜 (dragon). The Buddhist sense derives from the grouping of devas and nagas as protectors.