Illustrated Manuscript of the Vasudhara Dharani Sutra

NEPAL

This Sanskrit manuscript consists of 21 pages, each measuring 9 cm by 26 cm. The manuscript, written in gold and silver on indigo paper, was sponsored by the devotee Laksmanacandra for transcription in 1184. At the time, the Vasudhara faith was prevalent in Nepal, and it was believed that one would receive boundless merit by transcribing or reciting the Vasudhara Dharani Sutra.
These two pages of the manuscript are illustrated with images of the Buddha and Vasudhara Bodhisattva. The Buddha on the top page has a small head and an ornamented usnisa. He wears a red monastic robe over both shoulders. Seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne with two snow lions on the base, the Buddha displays the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Two Bodhisattvas, both wearing golden crowns and sitting on lotus thrones, flank the Buddha.
On the partially damaged bottom page, the Six-Armed Vasudhara is shown. The Bodhisattva sits on a lotus throne and wears a crown, a dhoti, and ornaments. A red drapery hangs over the front of the throne, and two snow lions stand within the base. Vasudhara is flanked by Avalokitesvara and Vajradhara Bodhisattvas, and the triad is surrounded by a large orange mandorla. Two yaksas stand on top of the mandorla, holding bags and pouring out treasures. The depictions are primarily painted in red and yellow, while the text is transcribed in gold and silver.