Manjushri
Stone
Nepal
16th ct
H: 25 cm

A three-headed Manjushri statue on a wooden platform. The deity is sitting in lotus pose on a double lotus base before a three-banded aureole. Manjushri has four arms, holding a flaming sword, an utpala lotus and other attributes. With the sword he cuts fundamental ignorance. According to a legend, Manjushri came to Kathmandu when it was still a lake. He saw a lotus flower growing in the lake, and drained it by cutting a gorge with his sword, making the valley habitable, and Swayambhunath stupa was built where the lotus settled. A five-pointed crown fitted with precious jewels is sitting on his head and beautiful jewellery is hanging on his earlobes. A silk scarf is softly flowing over his shoulders. Sarasvati is sitting on his left knee, her right hand in varada mudra, the gesture of compassion, the left hand in abhaya mudra, gesture of blessing. She represents wisdom of the arts and music
S544