Image: Avalokitesvara - Basalt - ca 11th-12th Century CE - Pala Period - Chowrapara Rajshahi - ACCN 9015-A25200 - Indian Museum - Kolkata 2016-03-06 1506

Description: The superbly carved figure of Avalokitesvara stands with slight flexion of the body. The two-armed figure is attended by Tara and Sudhanakumara to his right and Hayagriva and Bhrikuti to his left. Suchimukha in the attitude of receiving the nectar falling from the right hand in varada mudra of the god is seated on the pedestal that bears worshippers and floral designs. The decorated stele bears figures of the panchajinas or the five Dhyani Buddhas with Amitabha in the centre. The image tallies very well with the description of the Khasarpana form of Avalokitesvara. Size:112x56x15cm. This photograph has been taken during the 'Indian Buddhist Art' exhibition that organised by the Indian Museum, Kolkata with 91 rare Buddhist artifacts comprising sculptures and manuscripts at its two different halls to celebrate 202nd anniversary of the museum. This exhibition was previously shown to China, Japan, Singapore and New Delhi also between September 2014 and December 2015.
Title: Avalokitesvara - Basalt - ca 11th-12th Century CE - Pala Period - Chowrapara Rajshahi - ACCN 9015-A25200 - Indian Museum - Kolkata 2016-03-06 1506
Credit: Own work
Author: Biswarup Ganguly
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Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0
License: CC BY 3.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
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