Skanda (Buddhism)

Skanda is regarded in Chinese Buddhism as a sacred guardian of the Dharma and as a bodhisattva. He is one of the twenty-four heavenly guardians. Skanda is the head of this twenty-three celestial guardians. It serves the Four Heavenly Kings.

In most Chinese temples an image of Skanda stands next to a Quan Yin or Buddha image. He stands to the left of the image. Sangharamas image is then the right of the Guanyin Buddha or image.

In Chinese sutras is an image of Skanda at the end of the sutra. He reminds people that Skanda protected and preserved the Buddhist teachings.

Legend has it that Skanda was the son of a virtuous king, who thought very much of the Buddhist doctrine. When Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana, Skanda was given the task to protect the Dharma. Skanda had the members of the Sangha protect when they were disturbed by a Mara. Skanda also sparked conflicts between members of the Sangha.

A few days after the death and the burning of Buddha were evil demons to steal the relics of Gautama. Skanda immediately grabbed one, chased away the demons and brought back the relics.

Anniversary

The anniversary of Skanda is celebrated on the first day of the sixth month of the Chinese calendar.

Conversion in the Western calendar:

• 2009: July 22
• 2010: July 12
• 2011: July 1
• 2012: July 19
• 2013: July 8
• 2014: June 27
• 2015: July 16
• 2016: July 4
• 2017: June 24

• Buddhist mythology