mandala: Meaning behind Jujutsu Kaisen's mandala artwork of Yuji, Gojo, Sukuna, and Kenjaku may have just been discovered

Meaning behind Jujutsu Kaisen's mandala artwork of Yuji, Gojo, Sukuna, and Kenjaku may have just been discovered

Modified Jun 20, 2024 21:00 GMT

A certain Jujutsu Kaisen mandala artwork released recently sparked a buzz in the fandom. It featured the series' most popular characters— Gojo Satoru, Ryomen Sukuna, Yuji Itadori, and Kenjaku. At the same, it seemed like special artwork, and not many thought much of it.

However, with the story's progression, it might have a hidden meaning after all. Creator Gege Akutami has proven himself a mastermind when it comes to hidden details/references and foreshadowing. Moreover, Akutami draws inspiration from Buddhism and Japanese folklore.

Hence, sometime towards the end of last year, the mangaka released a piece of mandala artwork. On the surface, it seemed ordinary, but there seems to be a deeper meaning to it. Here's what it might be.

Disclaimer: This article is speculative in nature.

The significance behind Jujutsu Kaisen's mandala artwork may have finally been revealed

Ryomen Sukuna using different hand signs (Image via Sportskeeda)

At this point in Jujutsu Kaisen, Sukuna has used Malevolent Shrine substantially. He used it against the Finger Bearer early on, against Mahoraga in Shibuya, against Gojo Satoru, and finally against a rampaging Yuji. However, when looked at closely, his most recent uses of it have been through different hand signs.

Initially, the Demon King would use Domain Expansion through the hand sign "Enma Ten-In", which is also the name of the King of Hell. This originates from Yama, also called the King of the Dead Land. Sukuna and Yama were both initially human and later became what they are known as today.

But most recently, Sukuna formed a different hand sign to use Malevolent Shrine. This one is based on another deity called "Kokuzo Bosatsu", the Boddhisattvas of Wisdom. Roughly translated, the name means "Womb of the Sky", which is in line with the title of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 213— Cursed Womb: Under Heaven, Part 5.

Moving forward, there looks to be a relation between these deities and the mandala artwork released. Specifically, the mandala is seemingly arranged similarly to a Buddhist Taizokai or Womb World Mandala. Each of the characters' positions mirrors the deity equivalent in some manner.

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Sukuna is positioned at the bottom, where Kokuzo Bosatsu is present in the Taizokai. Next, on the left side, is Jizo Bosatsu (Womb of the Earth) and Gojo Satoru. Similar to Gojo, Jizo is much-loved and revered as the savior, and one who will ease the people's suffering. Also, Jizo is the enlightened one, who postponed Buddhahood until all are saved.

On the right side stands Jogaisho Bosatsu and Yuji Itadori. This deity is believed to be the one who will "block all hindrances", i.e., mental, emotional, and physical, and keep the path forward clear. This is quite similar to Yuji, who continues to push through.

Lastly, the top bit is Shaka Bosatsu and Kenjaku. This is supposed to be Buddha's position, but can likely be interpreted in two ways— First, it could be referring to Master Tengen since Kenjaku possessed the Tengen fetus, and second, it could be looked at as Kenjaku being the ultimate puppet master, who staged this entire dance that is Jujutsu Kaisen.

Final thoughts

Time and again Gege Akutami has proved himself to be a master when it comes to foreshadowing and hiding references in the story. On the surface, these details might seem quite normal, but ensuing events speak otherwise when looked at closely.

This mandala falls in the same realm. The artwork was impressive and not much was read into it upon release. However, given the story's progression from that point on, a whole other dimension has been likely unlocked.

So far, this interpretation of the mandala is accurate, with each character following through according to their related deities. With the manga at its peak, it will be interesting to see what else Akutami surprises with.