Ladies Worshipping the Buddha

Ladies Worshipping the Buddha


Amravati Stupa, 2nd Century CE, Chennai Museum

Amravati lay in the heart of Andhra country. Although Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is the most well known Stupa of ancient India,  but Amravati was far bigger and more grand in its conception, design and execution. The Stupa was originally constructed of bricks, but later encased with highly carved white - green marble slabs. The diameter of the dome was 162 feet, a railing of 192 feet diameter surrounded the grand Stupa. Thanks to its beautiful carvings, we almost lost the Stupa.  As one of the richest businessman began crushing the marbles for its commercial values in the 19th century. Whatever could be saved was rushed to Madras and housed in the Government Museum there. Thus, the Chennai has one of the best collection of Amravati school of sculptures.  

The Amravati school of sculptures is very easily recognizable : most of the sculptures are done in whitish - green marble, the figures are slender, tallish and carved in lyrical manner. The figures are carved almost like flowing wax. The panels and medallions hum with human activities.  There is drama, yet there is peace, tranquillity and serenity.  Most of the pieces deal with the life of the Buddha. Initially the Buddha was not shown in human form, as here. Later he is depicted in human form. 

Here we see four ladies worshipping two feet on a throne. The feet symbolise the presence of  Buddha. Humility at the feet of the Gods or teachers or elder has been an ancient tradition in India.  Humility gives us the ability to accept  various views and philosophies with a sense of reverence and respect. This is the cause of pluralism in India.  Arrogance on the other hand leads to dischord and violence.  Truth is so hard to grasp, that it has multiple interpretations. But like the proverbial seven blind men and the Elephant each man describes the truth according to his perception.  Yet, all perspectives are true. But in our egoism and ethnocentrism we deny the truth asserted by others. We assert our own superiority at the expense of others. But humility and the Middle Path do lead to enlightenment.