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Preah Khan Temple:Buddha Protected by Mucalinda
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Preah Khan Temple:Buddha Protected by Mucalinda
CAMBODIA, Kampong Thom, Kampong Svay;Early 12th century; Sandstone; H: 111 cm;Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
This statue depicts the Naga King, Mucalinda, as he spreads his seven heads to shield Sakyamuni Buddha from the heavy rains as he meditates. Since the Cambodian creation myth involved the naga, this Buddhist story became a popular theme from the 10th century onward.
The Buddha wears a pointed crown over a broad face with typical Khmer features: prominent joined eyebrows, a broad nose, and wide mouth. The sturdy body sits in half lotus position on naga's coils with hands in dhyana (meditation) mudra. The body protrudes slightly below the muscled chest. The abnormally long arms are one of the Buddha's Thirty-Two Marks of Excellence. Plain ornaments are worn about the neck and arms of the Buddha |
