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Ushnishavijaya Enthroned in the Womb of a Stupa, dated 1510-19. Creator: Unknown
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Ushnishavijaya Enthroned in the Womb of a Stupa, dated 1510-19. Creator: Unknown
Ushnishavijaya Enthroned in the Womb of a Stupa, dated 1510-19. This is one of the earliest extant images of the rarely represented Buddhist goddess Ushnishavijaya. She embodies a magical spell (dharani) recited by practitioners to reach liberation through the accumulation of merit. Multi-armed and multi-headed, Ushnishavijaya, white in color (like the autumn moon), is seated in the central stupa, flanked by red and green bodhisattvas and surrounded by the guardians of the eight directions and representations of Tara. As a manifestation of the Buddhas head protuberance, or ushnisha, she is associated with wisdom. The lowest register shows the consecration scene during the performance of the Lakshachaitya ritual, the dedication of one hundred thousand stupas
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Media ID 19784890
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Bodhisattva Distemper On Cloth Magic Nepal Nepalese Spell Stupa Tope Uterus Womb
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This print showcases the ancient and rarely depicted Buddhist goddess, Ushnishavijaya, enthroned in the womb of a stupa. Created by an unknown artist between 1510-19, this image is one of the earliest surviving representations of this powerful deity. Ushnishavijaya embodies a sacred spell or dharani recited by practitioners to attain liberation through the accumulation of merit. With multiple arms and heads, she sits at the center of the stupa, radiating a white glow reminiscent of the autumn moon. Flanked by red and green bodhisattvas and surrounded by guardians representing each direction and various forms of Tara, Ushnishavijaya exudes wisdom as she manifests from Buddha's head protuberance known as ushnisha. The lower register depicts a consecration scene during the Lakshachaitya ritual where one hundred thousand stupas are dedicated. This ritual holds immense significance within Buddhism. Preserved on cloth using distemper technique, this artwork is housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), offering visitors an opportunity to witness its beauty firsthand. Located in Nepal, this masterpiece represents not only religious devotion but also serves as a testament to Nepalese heritage artistry. Immerse yourself in this enchanting portrayal that captures centuries-old magic and reverence for Ushnishavijaya—a symbol of enlightenment through accumulated virtue.
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