144 
L. A. Waddell— Buddhist Pictorial Wheel of Life. [No. 3, 
bai-frdag-po* for counsel. This divinity advised the gods to call to their 
aid the war-god dGra-lha and also to obtain from the depths of the 
central ocean the invisible armour and the 9 self-created weapons, viz., 
(1) rMog-bya khyung-Jceng-riis , a helmet of the skeleton bones of the 
Garuda bird. (2) Khrab-nyi-shar-lto-rgyab , the coat of mail shining like 
the sun. (3) Lba-khebs-rdorje-go-chha , necklet. (4) Lak-hay-mtshon-chhd- 
lavi-lok, a weapon resisting and returning glove. (5) Snying-khebs-mdah- 
mtshon-hun thub, a breast-plate entirely able to withstand arrows and 
other weapons. ( 6 ) Piis-khebs-nyes-pa-skyobs-ched, a knee-cap which 
defends against destruction. (7) Phubm-sba-dmar-gling-drug a 6 emboss¬ 
ed shield. The nine sorts of weapons are:—(l) a hKorlo or spiked- 
wheel which entirely routes the enemy; (2) a dGra-sta, or an axe which 
chops the enemy ; (3) a ral-gri or sword which slices the enemy ; (4) a 
Gzhu or bow which scatters the brains of the enemy; (5) a ‘ mdah ’ or 
arrow that pierces the vitals ; ( 6 ) a zhagspa or noose which ensnares 
the enemy ; (7) a mBung or spear which pierces the hearts of the foe. 
( 8 ) a Ur-rdo a whirring sling-stone that produces the sound of a 
thunder-dragon, and (9) a Dorje or thunder-bolt which demolishes the 
enemy. The story seems founded on the Bralimanical legend of Indra’s 
obtaining from the Sea the talismanic. banner which conferred victory 
over his enemies.f 
The gods having obtained these weapons and armour invited the 
war-god dGra-lha , who came enveloped in thunder-clouds and attended 
by his nine sons, but he demanded worship from Indra and the other 
gods as the price of his assistance. On receiving this adoration the 
dGra-lha marshalled the forces of the gods and repeating ‘ Hung !’ thrice 
the warriors became dazzling bright, and shouting Kye-kye ! thrice their 
armour shone, and saying Bswa-bswa! thrice they became heroes in 
strength; and shouting Ha-ha! thrice they assailed and utterly routed 
the Lhamayin. Since this time the gods have systematically worshipped 
the dGra-hla. 
The dGra-hla , who has many of the traits of the Hindu Rahu, the 
monster who causes solar eclipses, is figured of 
■War^(^d anC0 white colour clad in golden mail and flying on a 
white horse through the clouds. In his up¬ 
lifted right hand he holds a whip with three knots and in his left hand a 
red banner. His bow-sheath is of a leopard hide and his quiver of tiger 
skin. A sword is thrust into his waist-belt, and from each shoulder 
springs a lion and a tiger. The mirror of fore-knowledge is suspended 
# *=? Dorje-chhang. 
f Brihat Sanhita, translated by Dr. Kern, J. Roy. A. S., YI, p. 44. 
