Mendut Temple: Buddha and Bodhisattvas

INDONESIA, Central Java, Magelang

Sakyamuni Buddha is seated against the back wall of the temple, flanked by Bodhisattvas on the adjacent east and west walls. All three have petal-shaped nimbuses and sit on Sumeru thrones with lotus footstools. The 3 m high Buddha is in the classical teaching posture with legs pendent and hands in the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Other features include half-closed eyes and the three lines on the neck indicating a great person. The monastic robe leaves the right shoulder bare and is completely transparent apart from slight indications of the hem at various places. The seat-back is decorated with carvings of animals such as makaras, lions, and elephants.
The Bodhisattva on the left is in the relaxation posture and wears a high crown fronted by a Buddha. Apart from the jewelry, a stole is draped across the figure’s chest and the right hand lies along the thigh in varada (wish-granting) mudra. The other Bodhisattva is in a similar posture. Triangular ornaments of differing designs decorate the high headdress and a sacred thread hangs across the chest. The right hand held before the chest may once have held an identifying attribute.