National Treasure Hall
Statue of Ragora
National Treasure
Ragora is one of the Ten Great Disciples of Shakyamuni. Known as Rahula in India, Ragora was also the only son of Shakyamuni and his wife, the princess Yasodhara. Ragora became the first novice monk, who was ordained by and studied under his father and later attained enlightenment. Being the son of Shakyamuni, he had to work twice as hard as other followers to prove himself. Ragora became renowned among the Buddha’s disciples for his patience, eagerness, and learning. This statue was made in the Nara period (710–794) by the hollow-core dry-lacquer sculpting technique.