In this showcased brass statue Buddha is seen in Bhumisparsha Mudra or earth-touching gesture. He is sitting on a big lotus pedestal. The pedestal is decorated with several intricate patterns. The skill of the artist is seen prominently on the robes where the scenes from the life of Buddha are sculpted to perfection. His right hand is pointed towards the ground while left hand is held at the navel height holding a pot in the palm. Eyes are closed Buddha is looking calm and composed.

In the Bhumisparsha mudra or gesture, Buddha calls upon the Earth to witness his claim to be known as “The Enlightened One.” He points towards the earth with his right hand and in response Bhu Devi, the Earth Goddess, lets flow a stream of sacred water at Buddha’s feet. Each drop of water symbolizes an act of merit performed by Buddha in his previous incarnations on earth.

The robes of the Buddha feature details of the life of Gautama on his path to becoming the Enlightened One. Representations of the “Three Great Sights”, episodes from the Jataka Tales, in which incarnations of the Buddha appear in animal form, and characters from Buddhist iconography, including demons and angels on clouds are seen. Crucial scenes from Buddha’s life such as his first sermon at Sarnath, where he shared his philosophy of the Eight Fold Path to salvation, are shown on the robes of the Buddha Bhumisparsha Life Story.

About Buddha
Gautama Buddha was born a prince of the powerful Sakya clan in northern India in 543 B.C. Surrounded by luxury during his youth, he was shocked into reflecting on man’s condition in the world, at the sight of a destitute man, a corpse and an ascetic. He renounced his wealth and family and became a seeker of the truth. After years of penance and meditation he gained enlightenment and came to be known as the Buddha or “The Enlightened One."