Eleven Faced, Eight Armed AvalokiteshavaraKhara Khoto, Central Asia, Before 1227

-Avalokiteshvara sits in the diamond posture on a lotus throne in this image.

-Several of his faces are arranged in a pyramid like form on top of his head.

-At the top of his head is Amitabha.

-He is most likely holding an invisible wish granting gem.

-In his other hands he is holding a a rosary, a wheel of dharma, a white lotus, a vase of water, and a bow and arrow.

-There are five transcendent Buddhas at the top of the page.

-Behind Avalokiteshvara are two monks.

-Avalokiteshvara is surrounded by eight deities. The four to his right and left are heavenly kings.

-The deities on the bottom from left to right are Hayagriva, Sitatapattra, Marichi, and Green Tara.

 

 

 

 

 

This site was created by Sarah Rowe at the NEH Summer Institute "Literatures, Religions, and Arts of the Himalayan Region," held at the College of the Holy Cross, Summer 2008.