Bodhgaya: Prajnaparamita Bodhisattva and Attendants

INDIA, Bihar, Bodhgaya

This sculpture created during the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century) was unearthed at Bodhgaya.
The Bodhisattva is depicted sitting in full lotus posture and forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The Bodhisattva’s hair is in a topknot and secured by a headdress with ribbons flying out on either side. Various pieces of jewelry adorn the body, including a necklace, armlets, bracelets, and large earrings. The diaphanous robe is covered in floral patterns. A base containing reliefs of two lions supports the lotus throne. Two lotus flowers, each supporting a sutra, wind their way around the arms to blossom next to the figure’s shoulders. Two attendant Bodhisattvas flank the figure and hold lotuses. The edge of the back panel is decorated with flames and a flower garland. An inscription with the name of the donor, Kikabhapurava, is at the bottom.