Aizen Myoo Kasuga mandala

In this painting the Kasuga shrine, one of the most important shrines in Nara, is depicted from the traditional bird's-eye view. Above the shrine complex is Mount Mikasa, which is cradled by the distant hills. This mandala is one of numerous paintings reflecting the suijaku theory, which is that Shinto deities are local manifestations of Buddhist deities. Five small figures in the upper register are Buddhist deities who correspond five Kasuga deities. The large Buddhist deity in the center of the painting is the powerful Aizen Myoo (Ragaraja), who was adopted by the Kasuga. He is believed to change worldly desires into purity, and is also known as the god of love.