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In Buddhism, Skanda takes on a very different identity from the Hindu god of war.
Rather than a deity of battle, Skanda (also known as Wei Tuo in Chinese Buddhism) is revered as a celestial guardian—a protector of the Dharma and Buddhist monasteries.
According to East Asian Buddhist traditions, Skanda is one of the Twenty-Four Heavenly Protectors and is often depicted as a youthful warrior in armor, holding a vajra staff or sword. He’s especially prominent in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, where he is said to have vowed to protect the teachings of the Buddha after the Buddha’s parinirvana (final passing).
In temple iconography, Skanda is frequently placed near the entrance, opposite Vajrapāṇi or other guardian figures, symbolizing vigilance and spiritual defense. His role is not combative in the worldly sense, but rather defensive against ignorance, delusion, and forces that threaten the Dharma.
This guardian Skanda should not be confused with the Five Skandhas (aggregates) in Buddhist philosophy, which refer to the components of personal experience—form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness.
Rather than a deity of battle, Skanda (also known as Wei Tuo in Chinese Buddhism) is revered as a celestial guardian—a protector of the Dharma and Buddhist monasteries.
According to East Asian Buddhist traditions, Skanda is one of the Twenty-Four Heavenly Protectors and is often depicted as a youthful warrior in armor, holding a vajra staff or sword. He’s especially prominent in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, where he is said to have vowed to protect the teachings of the Buddha after the Buddha’s parinirvana (final passing).
In temple iconography, Skanda is frequently placed near the entrance, opposite Vajrapāṇi or other guardian figures, symbolizing vigilance and spiritual defense. His role is not combative in the worldly sense, but rather defensive against ignorance, delusion, and forces that threaten the Dharma.
This guardian Skanda should not be confused with the Five Skandhas (aggregates) in Buddhist philosophy, which refer to the components of personal experience—form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness.