Description

Buddha’s footprint (buddhapada) is a schematic representation of his symbolic form used widely in the aniconic phase of Buddhist art in India. In time, the various symbols associated with Buddha came to be individually worshipped as markers of Buddha’s divine-self. The tradition of venerating buddhapada continues till modern day in Buddhist monasteries in India, Southeast and Fareast Asia. This Buddhapada from Nagarjunakonda stupa was used as an object of devotion as well as a narrative means for the built structure of the stupa. The footmarks are highly ornate and covered entirely with auspicious signs and symbols. Most prominent of these markings are the large chakras or wheels. Chakras on the soles of the feet are said to be one of the thirty-two super-human qualities (mahapurusha lakshanas) associated with Buddha. Lotus flowers (padma) adorn the centre of the wheel, the lotus being a symbol of the purity of Buddha. The footprints artistically illustrate some of the auspicious motifs, starting from the top left corner we see, the shrivatsa, bhadrasana, swastika, purna kumbha, shankha, matsyayugma, triratna, among others.