Vasudhara

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vasudhara is a name for the Buddhist bodhisattva of abundance and fertility. She is considered to be the consort of Kuvera, the god of wealth.

[edit] Prevalence and attributes

Vasudhara is popular in Nepal, where she is a common household deity.^[1] She is one of the Vasus mentioned in the Rig Veda.^[2]

[edit] Iconography

She is usually represented with six arms. In the lower left hand she usually holds her characteristic symbol, the treasure vase. The hand above holds another distinguishing attribute, the ears of corn (Tib. ‘bru’I sne ma). The third left hand holds a book, the Prajnaparamita sutra.

The lower right hand is in the varada mudra of charity; the one above holds three precious wish-fulfilling jewels, while the upper hand makes a mudra of salutation. The right leg is pendent, and the foot is unsupported resting upon a vase.

[edit] References

1. ^ statue of vasudhara
2. ^ Asian art exhibition