|
[Intro]
|
[Texts]
|
[Caves]
|
|||
|
Throughout Vajrapi's history, he is referred to as a Yaka. Indeed, the history of Vajrapi is one that is familiar to the history of South Asian Poly theism more broadly. He begins as the tutelary Yaka of Rjagriha in Maghada near the birth place of the Buddha and is almost immediately assimilated into the Buddhist pantheon as soon as it develops. This type of hegemonic appropriation of local cult deities is evidenced throughout the historical landscape of the subcontinent. Moreover, as a figure who was once external to Buddhism itself, he becomes a god on the edge of the Buddhist Maala, as a demon who has been converted, he is thus a protector figure. Thus his character as a protector of a small town is expanded to the Buddha himself. |
 |
|
In what follows, I will briefly examine Yaka cults generally in order to ground ourselves in the cultural matrix out of which Vajrapi emerges In turn, I will explore his character at Rjagriha, his Guhyaka qualities, and other references to his as a Yaka. finally, I will show how his Yaka qualities are played out in later temple complexes.
|
