Skip to main content
 
 


 
QR Code for http://wzcc.nvli.in/museums/bodhisattva-raktalokesvara

Bodhisattva Raktalokesvara

Original Location: Kashmir

Present Location: National Museum, New Delhi

Date: 9th Century CE

Period: Early Medieval

Material: Bronze

Objects: Sculpture

Dimensions: H 12.5 x W 6. 7 x D 4.5 cm

Credits: National Museum, New Delhi

Raktalokesvara is one of the thirty-one forms of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara listed in the Sadhanamala. Depictions of this Bodhisattva are rare and hence add to the uniqueness of this image. His eyes are inlaid with silver and the lips with copper. An antelope skin is drawn over the left shoulder, the antelope's head prominently seen as a silhouette on the arm-pit. Noticeable, however, is his gesture of opening the petals of the lotus held at the breast. The opening of each petal of the lotus held at the chest is symbolic of Buddha's dharmachakra-pravartana-mudra.

Partners

Color Switcher