MAHAYANA BUDDHA (AVALOKITESHVARA BODHISATTVA) – BUDDHA IN THE CROWN

MAHAYANA BUDDHA (AVALOKITESHVARA BODHISATTVA) – BUDDHA IN THE CROWN
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Mahayana Buddhist tradition has started to develop in India by about the 1st century BC. It has thrived in India between the 7th to 12th centuries AD. Though Sri Lanka is predominantly flourished with Theravada Buddhism the close relations of Indian Buddhists with Sri Lankan Buddhists especially in the Abhayagiri sect, Mahayana Buddhism has influenced Sri Lanka. Mahayana Buddhism was also developed in the country with royal patronage from the middle of the Anuradhapura period. 


Mahayana Buddhism's emphasis on the “Bodhisattva” Path and Bodhisattvas were worshipped with a major significance. Bodhisattva can be anyone who is on the path towards Buddhahood.  He should have a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind and devote himself to altruistic deeds, especially deeds that cause all sentient beings to attain enlightenment. 


There are different iconographic images of Bodhisattva. “Avalokiteshvara” is the most popular Bodhisattva among Sri Lankans. He is the Bodhisattva of compassion. Avalokiteshvara also appears in different iconographic forms. When he is carrying a Lotus Flower in his hand called “Padmapani” form. When he is carrying a Vajra symbol in his hand called “Vajrapani” form. The small Buddha image adoring in the headdress or crown is the common symbol to identify Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. “Tara”, the wife of Avalokitesvara has also popular in Mahayana Buddhism in Sri Lanka.


The Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Statues found in the Situlwawwa monastery complex belong to the 8th century AD.

There are seven rock-cut sculptures of Mahayana Buddhist tradition belonged to the 9th – 10th centuries AD that can be seen in Buduruwagala. The main Buddha statue with the height of 15.54 m at the centre has depicted Samabhanga posture and Abhaya mudra. Three sculptures on the left of the main Buddha statue have identified as Maitree Bodhisattva, Vajrapani Bodhisattva, an unidentifiable deity, and sculptures of the right identified as Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Goddess Tara, Prince Sudhana.


The isolated rock-cut statue of Weligama called Kushtarajagala Bodhisattva is a colossal image of Avalokiteshvara. It is 3.83 min height belonged to the 6th – 7th centuries AD. At the Muhudu Maha Vihara in Pottuvil, there are other Bodhisattva statues can be seen.



Dambegoda Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Statues situated near Okkampitiya is a masterpiece of Sri Lankan sculpture artist. This Bodhisattva statue was subjected to damage due to human interventions. It was restored by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka in 1990. The statue was made out of crystalline limestone with a height of 10 m. It was weighted 40 tons. It is believed that this was the Maitreya statue built by prince Agbo of Ruhuna with a height of 15 cubits.

The two Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva images presently displayed at Colombo National Museum. One is a standing figure and another one is a seated figure. Standing statue found from the Sri Sangabodhi Vihara premises in Veheragala whereas seated statue found from Kurunegala area. The standing figure of goddess Tara has found in the area between Trincomalee and Batticaloa presently displayed in the British Museum. All these statues belonging to the Anuradhapura period have considered the finest Bodhisattva images ever found in Sri Lanka and masterpieces of the world religious art.



Maitreya Bodhisattva is the only Bodhisattva cult believed by the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Accordingly, Maitreya will be the future Buddha presently residing in the Thusita heaven. Some were identified God Natha (Natha Deviyo) or Lokeshvara Natha as the future Buddha, Maitreya. Therefore, Maitreya Bodhisattva images were built as same as Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva image.

Maitreya and Natha statues were built in the Gampola period at Lankatilaka Viharaya in Kandy by King Bhuwanekabahu IV.  There are Maitreya Bodhisattva images at the Dambulla Cave Temple and Ridi Viharaya, Kurunegala. A newly built male and female Bodhisattva image can be found in the Kelaniya temple.


Explore Bodhisattva sites in Sri Lanka:

https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/357 

https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/358 

https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/21 

https://www.fantasiatours.com/viewDetailedItinerary/33

Itineraries to explore Bodhisattva site in Sri Lanka:
https://www.fantasiatours.com/viewDetailedItinerary/33




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