Pindola Bharadvaja
Venerable Pindola | |
|---|---|
Pindola (Japanese: 賓頭盧, Chinese: 賓頭盧/宾头卢) statue in Mitsu-tera Temple, Osaka, Japan (日本，大阪，三津寺) | |
| Personal life | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Pindola Bharadvaja |
| Occupation | bhikkhu |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Senior posting | |
| Teacher | Buddha |
Pindola Bharadvaja (Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja) is an Arhat in Buddhism. According to the earliest Indian Buddhist sutras, Pindola Bharadvaja was one of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world (Chinese: 住世) to propagate Buddhist law (dharma). Each of the four was associated with one of the four cardinal directions. Pindola is associated with West.
Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic powers. He was once remonstrated by the Buddha for misusing his powers to impress simple, ignorant people.
Along with Ananda, Pindola preached to the women of Udena's palace at Kosambi on two occasions.
In later centuries, the number of Arhats increases from four to Sixteen Arhats, then later on to 18. In Tibetan Thangka paintings depicting the 18 Arhats, Pindola Bharadvaja is usually depicted holding a book and begging bowl.