Gautama Buddha Sculpture - Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India
Posted by: denben
N 25° 22.836 E 083° 01.597
44R E 703898 N 2808638
This high relief sculpture of Buddha stands inside Mulagandhakuti Vihara in Sarnath in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Waymark Code: WMQ8AB
Location: India
Date Posted: 01/08/2016
Views: 1
Sarnath, located just 12 km from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. The other three sites are: Lumbini (birth); Bodh Gaya (enlightenment); and Kushinagar (death).
Mulagandhakuti Vihara was built in 1931 by Bodhi Sattva Anagarika Dharmapala. It is said to be located at the place where Buddha used to stay during his visits to Sarnath. Mulagandhakuti Vihara is a magnificent structure with ancient Buddhist architectural decorations carved on Indian red stone with an image of Buddha inside it. Buddha’s relics discovered at Taxila are enshrined underneath the pedestal of the image. There are also fine paintings on the walls by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu. Buddhist services are conducted inside the temple.
The high relief sculpture depicts Gautama Buddha seated on a throne in the full lotus position with the right hand raised and facing outwards in a gesture of protection.
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