The Newar Craftsmen of Kathmandu Valley: Objects of Devotion from Nepal

Amitabha with Bodhisattvas
Mineral pigments on primed cotton
By Purna Heju
12” x 18”
Based on painting from Central Tibet, mid-thirteenth century

Amitabha, the cosmic Buddha of the western direction, is shown here seated in the lotus position, with hands in the dhyana, or meditation, mudra. He is flanked on both sides by standing celestial bodhisattvas who are called Karunamaya [“Compassionate-hearted One”] in the Kathmandu Valley. The main image is set in a typical architectural frame with a Garuda grasping nagas above, and mythological makaras to the sides. Buddhas and tantric guardians line the top row above, while in the bottom row the popular Pancaraksha (“Five Protectors”), protect the scene, flanked by the cosmic Buddha Vajrasattva.