Manjusri Bodhisattva

BHUTAN

Manjusri Bodhisattva sits on a pink lotus throne in the center of the painting, forming the varada (wish-granting) mudra with the right hand. Two lotuses beside the Bodhisattva support a sword and a scripture. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (reigned 1616–1651), the unifier of Bhutan, is directly above Manjusri. His right hand reaches down, forming the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. Two smaller, orange-bodied images of Manjusri occupy the upper corners. Saraswati is shown in the center of the lower register holding a three-stringed instrument. On the left, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (reigned 1680–1694), receives blessings from a guru. Inside the palace behind him, two attendants prepare offerings. Drukpa Kunley, the legendary eccentric Lama of Bhutan, is depicted in the lower right corner, accompanied by three female figures.