Twelve-Armed Manjusri

NEPAL

Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, is shown here in his rare Vajrayana form. The twelve arms represent, in pairs, the Five Dhyani Buddhas and Vajrasattva. The uppermost hands are in a mudra, symbolizing Mount Sumeru. Though the attributes held in the next pairs are missing, they are traditionally a sword, sutra case, and bow and arrow. The hands at the chest form the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra symbolizing Vairocana Buddha. The hands below form mudras while sprinkling ambrosia into the bowl held by the last pair of hands placed in the lap.
The figure is seated in full lotus position on a double lotus throne. The three-leaf crown and other elaborate jewelry are studded with turquoise, garnet, and other semi-precious stones. There is a jeweled urna in the center of the forehead. The figure gazes downward, as do many Newari figures.