Xigang, Sigang, temple, festival

Bodhisattva Marici

Marici was known as the Guardian of Celestial Sphere in Buddhism and Taoism. She featured with :

4 faces : symbolizes North、South、East and West;
3 eyes (on each face) : stands for three realms in Chinese constellation system;
8 arms : symbolizes Ba Gua -- which is the Eight Trigraph illustrating the Chinese ancient philosophy of universe. Two of her hands hold together making hand gesture known as Mudra, then the other six respectively gripping Sol、Luna and other ritual implements.

People pray to Bodhisattva Marici with a wish for longevity and good heath.

Guardian of 5 domains

Ahead of statue Marici, there're another 5 small statues known as Guardian of 5 domains. In ancient China, it's said that celestial vault consisted of 5 domains, which including Central, North, South, East and West. Each domain was under domination of a particular guardian. Among them --- the north guardian would exempts people from misery; the south guardian blesses people with longevity; the east guardian brings people with good fortune; the west guardian assures people with breeding ability; then the one in central grants people with bliss and happiness.