Uttarabodhi mudra
Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
A mudra is a set hand gesture in a sacred image. Each one carries a fixed meaning. The Uttarabodhi mudra is the gesture of supreme enlightenment, the highest spiritual awakening. Both hands are joined at the chest. The two index fingers touch and point upward, and the other fingers are folded together. It appears in some images of the Buddha and of Bodhisattvas, who are compassionate beings who delay their own release to help others.
Example
In Buddhist sculpture and painting, a Buddha shown with both hands raised at the chest and index fingers pointing up is making the Uttarabodhi mudra. This tells the viewer that he has reached the highest awakening.
Don't confuse with
- Bhumisparsha mudra: the right hand touches the earth. It marks the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, not the joined-hands sign of supreme awakening.
Related concepts
- Gupta art
- Sarnath school of art
- Mudras
- Abhaya mudra
- Bhumisparsha mudra
- Dharmachakra mudra
- Dhyana mudra
- Varada mudra
- Vitarka mudra
- Anjali mudra