Features:
- halo: although the halo is not part of the statue, the sparkly surface and scalloped shape are distinctive. Older photos may show a different halo.
- urna as a jewel-encrusted curl
- bhumisparsha mudra (under robe): calling the earth to witness
- dressed in a robe
- small deva images are flanking the Buddha statue above
This is the Buddha statue inside the Shri Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, India. It is built on the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. A popular devotional pilgrimage practice involves offering a robe to be placed on the statue. Because of the constant stream of pilgrims in the peak seasons, another robe will be placed on top as soon as the previous group takes a photo. The fabric and decorations on the robes, of course, are not suitable for a monk or nun to wear, but they are an expression of the devotees faith.
Here you can see the small inner chamber and the head monk placing pilgrims’ offering on the statue.
If you were to walk down the red carpet into the temple you would come into the chamber above.
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