Shalu Monastery Central Hall Prajnaparamita Shrine: Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA, Tibet, Shigatse

This 14th century mural is located in the Prajnaparamita Shrine on the second story of the central hall. Manjusri Bodhisattva has a red body and wears a golden crown, large earrings, and ornaments. The eyes are narrowed and there is an urna between the connected eyebrows. Smiling slightly, the Bodhisattva sits on a snow lion with a green mane. The hands form the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra while holding lotuses that support a sword and a scripture. Beside the head of the Bodhisattva, two figures with joined palms emerge from the opened mouths of makaras.
Manjusri is flanked by two attendant Bodhisattvas; one with white skin who holds a whisk, and the other a green-skinned figure holding a lotus flower. At the top of the image, there are spiral patterns, two deities sitting on clouds, and a red creature that holds a snake in its jaws. A monk in a red robe and two figures with joined palms are painted in the lower register.