Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (“bosom of the earth”) is the protector of the earth and the savior of souls cast into any of the ten courts of the underworld. In general, a bodhisattva is a holy person who has achieved enlightenment, but who voluntarily returned to earth to help those who suffer. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is full of compassion. He leads people's souls out of hell and helps them ascend to heaven.
The cult of Ksitigarbha became especially popular in East Asian countries. In China and Japan, he is considered the second most important bodhisattva after Avalokiteshvara. Like all bodhisattvas, Ksitigarbha strives to save all living beings, but his special function is to save beings in naraka (hell). In addition, Ksitigarbha is considered the protector of travelers, children and military personnel.
He is depicted standing, dressed as a monk, with Ksitigarbha holding a stick in his right hand and a wish-granting pearl in his left.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru