Panel showing Transcendental Buddhas (Panchatathagatas)

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Time Period
10th century CE, Pala

Location
Nalanda, Bihar

Dimensions
H: 19, W: 64.5, D: 12.3 cm

Material
Basalt

Number Assigned
Accession. No. 60.607
National Museum, Delhi

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Vajrayana Buddhism introduced the concept of Transcendental Buddhas (panchatathagatas), expanding the Buddhist pantheon with five Buddhas: Amitabha, Akshobhya, Vairochana, Amoghasiddhi, and Ratnasambhava. These Buddhas represent the celestial body (sambhogakaya) and are considered emanations of the primordial Adi Buddha. They are identifiable by their specific iconographic attributes, mudras, and asanas. In Pala sculptures, they often appear together, as seen in one panel where they are depicted from left to right: Amitabha in meditation, Vairochana teaching, Akshobhya in the earth-touching pose, Amoghasiddhi in assurance, and Ratnasambhava in meditation.

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