Alchi Monastery Three Story Hall: Sakyamuni Buddha

INDIA, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh

This 23.5 cm high image is painted at the bottom of the back wall of the niche in the west wall on the first story of the Three Story Hall. The nimbus and mandorla of the Buddha are in the shape of lotus petals. Their inner edges are decorated with small flame patterns. The Buddha has a round topknot, an urna between the eyebrows, narrow eyes, slightly pursed lips, and a rounded chin. He wears a monastic robe decorated with uniquely drawn swastika symbols colored in red, blue, white, and green. A string of beads hovers around the shoulders and hangs down below the knees. The lower hem of the robe appears to rustle with movement. Standing with both feet pointing out to the sides, the Buddha forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra in front of his chest with his right hand, while the left hand hangs down at his side. Behind the Buddha, there is a tall, conical tower with multiple tiers. Small temples are painted along the edge and at the top of the tower.