CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Subject: Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra, detail of the base. In the sunken portion, in a circular niche is a lion in a cave resting its head on its paws. The earth goddess appears beneath the right hand of the Buddha and in front of her is a male figure kneeling in reverence, perhaps the donor of the image. On the other side of the niche corresponding to the earth goddess is daughter of demon Mara running away.

Subject: Buddha in earth touching gesture or bhumisparsha mudra, detail of the upper portion. Around the head, carved in relief on the black slab is a circular halo which is decorated with two circular bands of rosettes and beads respectively. Over this halo, the foliage of the bodhi tree was shown which is now only visible on the top of the stone. The flying figures on both sides of the halo are celestials who shower down flowers on the Buddha after he conquers demon Mara.

Subject: Buddha in touching the earth gesture or bhumisparsha mudra. This image was found by archaeologist F.O. Oertel southeast of the Main Shrine.

Subject: Buddha in gesture of fearlessness (abhayamudra) in a standing position

Subject: Buddha in gesture of fearlessness (abhayamudra) in a standing position

Subject: Buddha, standing under umbrella, detail upper portion

Subject: Buddha, standing under umbrella, detail upper portion

Subject: Buddha, standing under umbrella, detail upper portion

Subject: Buddha seated in dharmachakramudra, turning the Wheel of Dharma gesture, detail of the pedestal. On the pedestal is a centrally placed wheel, a symbol of the Buddha’s sermon at Sarnath. Of the kneeling figures on either side of the wheel, the five figures in monks’ garb represent the Buddha’s first five disciples; while the other two, a woman and child, are probably depictions of the donors.

Subject: Buddha seated in dharmacakramudra, turning the Wheel of Dharma gesture, detail. The upper portion of the back-slab is fashioned into a circular halo.

Subject: Buddha in gesture of reassurance (abhayamudra) in standing position, detail

Subject: Plaque with Tara in a standing position with inscription around

Subject: Buddha, standing under umbrella, rear view.

Subject: Buddha, standing with right hand raised in gesture of fearlessness or abhayamudra. The image was found in the courtyard area east of the Main Shrine.

Subject: Buddha, standing, detail showing Buddha with right hand raised in gesture of fearlessness or abhayamudra.

Subject: Buddha, standing, detail showing Buddha with right hand raised in gesture of fearlessness or abhayamudra.

Subject: Buddha, standing, the right hand was probably raised in gesture of fearlessness or abhayamudra. The image was found in the courtyard area east of the Main Shrine.

Subject: Buddha, standing, the right hand was probably raised in gesture of fearlessness or abhayamudra. The image was found in the courtyard area east of the Main Shrine.

Subject: Buddha, standing, the right hand was probably raised in gesture of fearlessness or abhayamudra. The image was found in the courtyard area east of the Main Shrine.

Subject: Buddha, standing, the right hand was probably raised in gesture of reassurance (abhayamudra). The image was found in the courtyard area east of the Main Shrine.

Subject: Buddha in gesture of reassurance (abhayamudra) in standing position

Subject: Buddha in gesture of reassurance (abhayamudra) in standing position, detail

Subject: Buddha seated in dharmacakramudra, turning the Wheel of Dharma gesture, profile. This image was discovered by archaeologist F.O. Oertel south of the Dharmarajika stupa. This seated Buddha is enthroned. The halo behind his head is adorned with concentric bands, the outer one is a richly carved lotus creeper. Flying celestial figures are depicted on either side of the halo, and a pair of leogryphs flank the throne’s backrest. There is a centrally placed wheel, a symbol of the Buddha’s sermon at Sarnath, on the pedestal. Of the kneeling figures on either side of the wheel, the five in monks’ garb represent the Buddha’s first five disciples; while the other two, a woman and child, are probably depictions of the donors.

Subject: A visitor offering prayer to a Bodhisattva image, probably of Maitreya.