# @rubinmuseum on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DduLWFFF4GW
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70867787-rubinmuseum-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b6a6832984.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-25T19:09:24.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art (@rubinmuseum) — https://gondola.cc/rubinmuseum

## Caption

A horizontal eye on his forehead, an elaborate crown, and the relaxed posture of a king help identify this 15th-century Nepalese sculpture as Indra, the Hindu "king of the gods" associated with rain and the heavens in Nepal.

Indra is shown seated in a posture of royal ease, richly dressed and adorned with jewelry. His crown and halo feature a swirling “cloud foliage” motif that evokes clouds, water, and plants—a visual connection between monsoon rains and the crops they nourish. Each hand once held a lotus stalk, with the lotus at his left shoulder carrying his attribute, the vajra, or thunderbolt.

Indra is especially important in Nepal, where he is honored during Indra Jatra, or Yenya, an eight-day festival celebrated in Kathmandu. This year, the festival takes place September 23–30, with the main chariot procession on September 25.

The celebration begins with the raising of a pole bearing Indra’s banner in the center of Durbar Square. It culminates with the jatra, or procession, when thousands of devotees pull three elaborately decorated wooden chariots through the square, accompanied by masked dancers and music. Seated on the chariots are three children who are said to embody the deities Kumari, Ganesha, and Bhairava.

The sculpture offers one way into the larger story of Indra’s place in Nepalese art and culture, where his presence continues through festivals like Indra Jatra.

#IndraJatra #NepalCulture #HimalayanArt

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Indra; Nepal; Dated by inscription,1463; Gilt copper alloy with inset turquoise and semi-precious stones; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.15

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## Tags

indrajatra, himalayanart, nepalculture

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