Nitten (Surya)

Nitten, the sun god, known as Surya in Sanskrit, appears as a bodhisattva in this painting. Originally an Indian god, Nitten was adopted as one of the twelve deities (Skt., devas) of Esoteric Buddhism and became a Buddhist guardian. This image was painted in 1127 (Daiji 2) for the ceremony, Goshichinichi-no-mishiho (austerities after the seventh day). It is held every New Year's at the Shingon-in Hall on the grounds of the Imperial Palace, in prayer for the peace of the nation. One of the unique characteristics of this painting is that the deva sits on a felt-covered pedestal. In other versions, Nitten rides a carriage drawn by three to seven white horses.

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.