The Twelve Heavenly Generals of Ngong Ping

Normally a train, and then a ski-lift-type gondola suspended across three and a half miles of mountains, valleys, and lakes would take us up to Ngong Ping from Hong Kong.

But when we got off the train the cable car was out of commission, so we had to take a bus. No doubt less spectacular, but still quite an experience on the narrow, winding mountain roads.

After a ride that gave us a pretty good idea of how a pinball feels, we arrived and entered through the main gate.

The main gate leading to the Big Buddha in Hong Kong, China

The ornate archway led to a path flanked by The Twelve Divine Generals, representing protective deities that correspond to the animals in the Chinese zodiac. Each has his own personality, time of day, weapon and a creature on his head.

The General Catura represents 1- 3 AM and the ox of the Zodiac. He is armed with a sword.
The General Catura represents 1- 3 AM and the ox of the Zodiac. He is armed with a sword.

The General Kimnara represents 3- 5 AM and the tiger of the Zodiac. He is armed with a rope (though this guy looks like he’s got a bat and ball).
The General Kimnara represents 3- 5 AM and the tiger of the Zodiac. He is armed with a rope.

The General Makura represents 5 – 7 AM and the rabbit of the Zodiac. He is armed with a axe.
The General Makura represents 5 - 7 AM and the rabbit of the Zodiac. He is armed with a axe.

The General Pajra represents 7- 9 AM and the dragon of the Zodiac. He is armed with a bow and arrow.
The General Pajra represents 7- 9 AM and the dragon of the Zodiac. He is armed with a bow and arrow.

The General Indra represents 9 – 11 AM and the snake of the Zodiac. He is armed with a staff.
The General Indra represents 9 - 11 AM and the snake of the Zodiac. He is armed with a staff.

The General Sandira represents 11 AM -1 PM and the horse of the Zodiac. He is armed with a conch shell.
The General Sandira represents 11 AM -1 PM and the horse of the Zodiac. He is armed with a conch shell.

The General Anila represents 1-3 PM and the sheep of the Zodiac. He is armed with a arrow (The Big Buddha is way up on the mountain in the background).
The General Anila represents 1-3 PM and the sheep of the Zodiac. He is armed with a arrow

The General Andira represents 3-5 PM and the monkey of the Zodiac. He is armed with a mallet.
The General Andira represents 3-5 PM and the monkey of the Zodiac. He is armed with a mallet.

The General Mihira represents 5-7 PM and the rooster of the Zodiac. He is armed with a vajra.
The General Mihira represents 5-7 PM and the rooster of the Zodiac. He is armed with a vajra.

The General Vajra represents 7-9 PM and the dog of the Zodiac. He is armed with a sword.
The General Vajra represents 7-9 PM and the dog of the Zodiac. He is armed with a sword.

The General Kumbhira represents 9 -11 PM and the boar of the Zodiac. He is armed with a boardsword.
The General Kumbhira represents 9 -11 PM and the boar of the Zodiac. He is armed with a boardsword.

The General Vikarala represents 11 PM – 1 AM and the rat of the Zodiac. He is armed with a vajra.
The General Vikarala represents 11 PM - 1 AM and the rat of the Zodiac. He is armed with a vajra.

At the end of the walkway we reached a circular area perfectly aligned with stairs leading up Muyu Mountain to The Tian Tan Buddha or Big Buddha.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See more about where the Generals live – and meet The Big Buddha of Hong Kong


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3 thoughts on “The Twelve Heavenly Generals of Ngong Ping”

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