Description

Manjusri is one of the most important deities of the Buddhist pantheon, conceived as the embodiment of transcendental wisdom and worshipped widely for conferment of wisdom, a retentive memory, intelligence, and eloquence. The earliest iconic description of Manjusri appears in the Arya Manjusrimulakapa, but his reference is found in many scriptures, like- the Prajnaparamita sutras, the Manjusrinamasangiti, Guhyasamaja Tantra, Amitayus sutra, Mahavairochanabhisambodhi, etc. Manjusri is recognized as one of the eight Bodhisattvas and is, therefore, represented like a prince with all the Bodhisattva ornaments. In the Sadhanamala and Nispannayogavali, many forms of Bodhisattva Mañjuśri, developed, representing different attributes and gestures. The appellation of Manjusri-kumara-bhuta indicates the syncretism involving Karttikeya and Manjusri, which is exhibited in the attributes as well. This is one of the sumptuous sculptures of the Manjukumara form from the post-Gupta period, datable to the second quarter of the seventh century, exhibiting the crispness and refinement of the Nalanda carving. The details are exuberantly carved as seen in the treatment of the ornaments, textile, and subsidiary features, such as the swirling foliage at the base of the lotus steam beneath the figure, which recall the Gupta tradition.