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Chunda (Prajnaparamita)

National Museum - New Delhi

National Museum - New Delhi
New Delhi , India

This is an image of the eighteen-armed Chunda, seated in padmasana on a round lotus pedestal, held by two Naga kings. The goddess is in the dharmachakra mudra; in her hands she holds rosary, vajra, hatchet, ankusha, sword, conch, fruit, book, pot, sankha, chakra, dhvaja, noose, bell-flask, and lotus. There is a vertical third eye on her forehead.
The noteworthy feature of this statue is the pedestal on which the deity is sitting. The double-petal lotus is the dividing line between the cosmic waters on the lower pedestal and the world of the gods. Between the square pitha and the lotus seat, the cosmic waters are symbolized by the two naga kings holding a mass, perhaps representing Mount Meru, and the presence of aquatic life such as fish, turtle and crocodile.

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  • Title: Chunda (Prajnaparamita)
  • Date Created: 9th Century CE
  • Location: Nalanda, Bihar
  • Physical Dimensions: Ht. 35.5 cm., Wd. 16.8 cm., Dep. 13.2 cm.
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dynasty: Pala
National Museum - New Delhi

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