c. Early to mid- 9th century

Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness

Buddha holds his right hand downward in the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) with which he calls the earth goddess to affirm that he is entitled to attain enlightenment following his triumph over Mara, the destroyer. The event occurred under the bodhi (enlightenment) tree at Bodhgaya, at the spot known as the diamond seat (vajrasana), represented here by an elaborate double lotus throne with lions. The frequent images of the Buddha calling the earth to witness imply the doctrinal importance of his enlightenment and of the holy site of Bodhgaya.