The Indian Buddhist iconography mainly based on the Sadhanamala and other cognate Tantric texts of rituals - Free PDF

 The Indian Buddhist iconography is mainly based on the Sadhanamala and other cognate Tantric texts of rituals. It is a system of visual representation of the various aspects of Buddhism, such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, deities, and other spiritual figures. The iconography is used to represent the teachings of Buddhism in a visual form.

The Sadhanamala is an important source for understanding the Indian Buddhist iconography. It is a collection of Tantric rituals and practices that were compiled in the 11th century CE by Vajrabodhi and his disciple Amoghavajra. The text contains descriptions of various Buddhist deities and their associated symbols, as well as instructions for performing various rituals.

The Sadhanamala describes the iconography of many popular Buddhist deities such as Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Tara, Vajrapani, and others. Each deity has its own unique attributes and symbols that are used to represent them in artworks. For example, Avalokiteshvara is often depicted with four arms holding a lotus flower, a rosary, a vase filled with nectar, and a book. Manjushri is usually depicted with a sword in one hand and a book in the other. Tara is often depicted with two hands holding a lotus flower or a blue utpala flower. Vajrapani is usually depicted with three eyes and four arms holding a vajra or thunderbolt weapon.

In addition to these popular deities, the Sadhanamala also describes many lesser-known figures such as Dakinis (female spirits), Dharmapalas (guardian deities), Lokapalas (guardians of directions), Yidams (meditational deities), and others. These figures are often represented in artworks with their associated symbols and attributes.

The Indian Buddhist iconography has been used for centuries to represent the teachings of Buddhism in visual form. It provides an important source for understanding the various aspects of Buddhism and its associated rituals and practices.

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