Sakka

Sakka, also transliterated Sakra, is the Pāli and Sanskrit name for Indra, the king of the gods in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. In Buddhist tradition, Sakka is the ruler of the Devas inhabiting the heaven of the Thirty-Three and is commonly identified with Śakra. He is a prominent divine figure who interacts with Buddhas and humans in various texts, acting as a guardian of the celestial realm as well as a sponsor of the Dharma.

Etymology and role: The name Śakra derives from Sanskrit and means “the mighty one” or “the powerful one.” In Buddhist narratives, Sakka is depicted as the chief deity of the celestial host, often shown wielding the vajra or thunderbolt and presiding over a heaven considered close to the human realm. Although immensely powerful, he is portrayed as subject to the laws of karma and to the Buddha’s teaching, illustrating that even gods are not above moral responsibilities.

In Buddhist literature: Sakka appears in many sutras and Jataka tales. He is described as visiting the Buddha on occasion to hear the Dharma, as well as to make offerings to the monastic community or to request guidance for the Devas. Across sources, his depictions emphasize respect for the Buddha, recognition of the Four Noble Truths, and the transience of splendor in celestial ranks.

In other traditions and iconography: In Hinduism, Indra is the ruler of the Devas in Svarga and a central figure in Vedic mythology. In Buddhist art and texts, Sakka is commonly portrayed as a regal figure with celestial attendants, sometimes shown with a thunderbolt or riding an eagerness or elephant, reflecting his martial and protective functions.

In modern usage, Sakka appears mainly in scholarly, liturgical, and cultural contexts within Buddhist traditions, where it remains the standard name for the celestial king within Buddhist cosmology.