Crowned Buddha in Earth-touching pose (Bhumisparsha mudra)

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Time Period
C.11th Century CE, Pala

Location found
Nalanda, Bihar, India

Dimension
H: 52.5, W: 31.5 cm

Material
Basalt

Number Assigned
Accession No. 47.61
National Museum, Delhi

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A crowned Buddha is depicted seated, cross-legged on a double lotus pedestal, displaying the bhumisparsha mudra, a gesture signifying the moment of enlightenment. This figure is framed within an intricately designed trilobed, arched shrine, adorned with motifs of the Bodhi tree and flanked by celestial figures bearing floral tributes. To the left and right of the Buddha are the bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara and Maitreya, each identifiable through their respective iconographic attributes. The pedestals showcase relief carvings, including the earth goddess Bhu-devi, who witnesses the pivotal event of Mara’s subjugation, as well as other allegorical figures that underscore the Buddha’s role as the Cakravartin, or Universal Monarch. There is a dedicatory inscription at the bottom section of the pedestal.

the Sanskrit verse is as follows:

Siddhaṃ Śrīdhama vadi bhetva devadharmoyaṃ dānapati
 valāka-gano(ṇa)-śāsya

  The English Translation is as follows:

“Success! This is the religious duty (or meritorious act) of the donor Śrīdama, who, having approached (or met) the abode of the gods, becomes the lord of charity, instructing the group of monks/ascetics (valāka-gaṇa).”

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