The Story Behind Arhat Kalika’s Golden Earrings
Arhat Kalika is one of the revered Sixteen Arhats in Vajrayana Buddhism. Also known as the “One With Golden Earrings,” he represents a unique intersection of ascetic virtue, mystical symbolism, and vibrant iconography. To be significant, the origin of the golden earrings on his hand is a result of Gurudakshina. One time, Arhat Kalika went to the heavens, lying in 'the region of desire.' There, he taught Dharma to the heavenly beings and they were freed from the cycle of rebirths (samsara). Having learned divine lessons from the Arahant, the beings offered him valuable jewelry and ornaments. Kalika blessed all the presents that he received and transformed them into a single pair of earrings, which he holds as his attribute.
It is believed that those looks or touches on his attribute will receive the blessings of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Moreover, the devotee will also have many followers who possess abiding calm (samatha), penetrating insight (vipassana), wisdom, faith, and good intellect. The revered Kalika's story offers valuable insights into the potential of dedicated spiritual practice and the compassionate vows that keep enlightened beings present in our world.
In this in-depth read, glean into who Arhat Kalika is, his legends, and how he is particularly venerated within Vajrayana traditions.
Who Is an Arhat in Vajrayana?
The word “Arhat” (Sanskrit), Louhan (Chinese) or “Arahant” (Pāli) literally translates to “worthy one” or “one who is deserving of reverence.” They are a group of noble beings who were a few of the foremost disciples of the Shakyamuni Buddha. Hence, they received Tathagata's direct lessons to attain enlightenment and were ordered to wait for the future Buddha, Maitreya, by safeguarding Buddha's precious teachings. As someone who has attained Arhatship, Kalika, and others have attained Nirvana and broke free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).
Key Characteristics of an Arhat
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Eradication of Defilements: Arhats have extinguished the “three poisons” of greed, hatred, and delusion.
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Absence of Future Rebirth: Having uprooted the causes of karma leading to rebirth, an Arhat will not be reborn in saṃsāra.
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Embodiment of Ethical Conduct: Exemplary moral virtue is intrinsic to Arhatship.
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Profound Wisdom (Prajñā): Arhats directly experience the nature of reality—impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā).
Click on this link to explore the names of the Sixteen Arhats and their origin story.
Origins of Arhat Kalika in Ancient India
The legend of Kalika's birth and his ordination happened in the ancient Shravasti, one of the six great cities at that time. His father was a wealthy man and a loyal husband to his wife. However, the happy couple were childless for a long period of time before finally conceiving after countless prayers and distributing alms to the unprivileged. The wife possessed the Five Extraordinary Branches of Sublime Knowledge; thus, she immediately found out the long-awaited news of her pregnancy. She also knew right away that she was carrying a boy in her womb.
The husband took immense care of his expecting wife and satisfied each of her needs, be it food, drinks, ornaments, and clothes. During this gestation, Aniruddha, one of the Buddha's disciples, perceived the news of the pregnancy by his divine insight. Far away in his abode, he first pondered whether the unborn child would be a convert of the Buddha himself or of one of the Buddha's disciples. His reflection revealed that the unborn child would be converted by one of the Buddha's disciples, and it turned out to be him.
Hence, Aniruddha went to the home of the expecting couple, where he was greeted with great reverence. Even before revealing his divine reflection, the householder promised that if he was to have a boy, then he would give his child to the ascetic. Aniruddha went back to his dwelling place after the promise. Very soon, the expecting mother gave birth to a healthy and beautiful boy, who was born with a sweet, fragrant smell similar to a flower. Hence, he was named "Kalika," which means a flower bud in Sanskrit.
While growing up, Kalika was taught reading, writing, mathematics, and the Eight Investigations. When he was young, he became a fine scholar. Then, one day, Anuruddha arrived to take the boy to fulfill the promise of the latter's father when the time for his ordination arrived. The young Kalika rejoiced, having learned about the promise, and happily went with the bhikkhu. He was ordained in a temple and later took the vows of a bhikshu. He was a dedicated monk who practiced the teachings of the Buddha; hence, he was capable of being an arhat.
Iconography of Arhat Kalika
Kalika Sthavira is represented in numerous Buddhist art, regardless of Buddhist branches and traditions. He is portrayed with his unique characteristics that represent his deep spiritual journey. His depiction embodies the principles of wisdom, enlightenment, and peace, which are central to the teachings of the Buddha. Below is a helpful overview of his common iconographic features:
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Monastic Robes: Kalika is depicted as a fully ordained monk. He wears the three standard monastic garments (tricivara)—most commonly shown in an outer robe draped over one shoulder, revealing the other.
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Seated or Standing: In the majority of Tibetan scroll paintings (thangkas) and sculptures, the Arahant is seated in a relaxed pose on a rocky seat or lotus throne.
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Facial Expression: He is generally portrayed as slightly older (like many of the Arhats), conveying wisdom and maturity—sometimes with a high forehead, a contemplative gaze, or slight wrinkles.
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Hands in Teaching or Resting Gestures: Kalika is depicted holding a pair of golden earrings in his right hand. This distinctive feature is an important aspect of his representation.
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Dwelling in the area of Tāmradvīpa: Kalika Sthavira is said to dwell in the sacred region of and have a certain number of Tāmradvīpa with his followers.
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Accompanied by a retinue: The Arahat lives in Tāmradvīpa with 1,300 fellow Arhats; hence, he is surrounded by other monks in certain arts.
The iconography of Arhat Kalika is filled with symbolism that illustrates his path of renunciation and enlightenment. He is depicted in a calm and serene posture, embodying the wisdom and tranquility characteristic of an enlightened being. His image acts as a visual representation of the Buddhist journey, showing that genuine freedom arises from moving beyond the external distractions of life and concentrating on the inner quest for wisdom, compassion, and ultimate liberation.
Few Legends of Arhat Kalika
After he attained Arhatship, Kalika became a being who was worthy of being worshipped and prayed to by both sentient and divine beings. He was grateful to the Buddha and his teachings; thus, the Arhat pondered for ways to owe his gratitude. Then, one day, he used his magical powers that made him invisible, and he vanished from his grove. One day, he used his magical powers that made him invisible. He made his way back to his parents' home, where he emerged from the ground. The Arahant also carried out other magical feats and presented Buddha's teachings to his entire household.
As a result, all of them were converted and first gained the stages of 'entering the river of Buddhism' followed by the Stage of Seeing. The bhikku family then performed many charitable acts and accumulated merit. Meanwhile, Mahakalika adapted to the Twelve Ascetic Practices, which made him devoted to meditation and content with whatever alms he was given. And for his abode, he chose to dwell in cemeteries, from where he obtained his alms bowl. He willingly took the discarded clay vessels left behind the cemeteries and used them as his begging bowl. It is said that he covered himself with the discarded shrouds and ate the discarded food at cemeteries.
Conclusion: Arhat Kalika is Path to Detachment and Wisdom
Arhat Kalika, “The One With Golden Earrings,” stands out as a radiant figure among the Sixteen Arhats. His dedication to propagating and protecting the Dharma, along with his promise to stay in this world until the arrival of the next Buddha, highlights the unwavering commitment that enlightened beings have to the well-being of all sentient beings.
From his golden earrings, a symbol of purity and radiance, to every aspect of his portrayal, he encourages us to look deeper into the Buddhist teachings. His presence is not limited to early Buddhist traditions but also resonates in the modern world. His focus on confronting challenges aligns seamlessly with peaceful methods that seek to harness the energies present in our daily lives. In today's world, Kalika’s teachings can guide us through uncertainty, turmoil, and personal struggles with clarity and strength.
By keeping his example in mind, we enhance our ability to remain compassionate and clear-headed in the face of constant change. Just as the Buddha’s teachings have been preserved by the Arhats over the centuries, we, too, can protect and carry these teachings forward in our lives. By embodying the wisdom of Arahant Kalika, we connect with an ancient commitment—a timeless promise to utilize our human experience for the benefit of all beings. In doing so, we become living links in the unbroken chain of Dharma transmission and will persist into the future when Maitreya finally arrives.
May the narrative and symbolism of Arhat Kalika motivate practitioners everywhere to appreciate the value of the Dharma, accept impermanence, and nurture unwavering compassion. Through study, contemplation, and meditation, we can also strive to reflect the golden light of insight—transforming challenges into wisdom, and time itself into a pathway for awakening.
Click on this link to explore how the Sixteen Arhats become famous in Tibet.