SRI LANKA ~Avalokitesvara statue~

...Beautiful  sculpture...one of the most famous and precious statues found on the island... and one of the treasures in the National Museum of Colombo...Thanks a lot Ravindra!!

This sculpture dates from Late Anuradhapura Period, (8th-9th C) in gildt bronze, 49,8cm in height.
Discovered in 1968 at Veragala Sirisangabo Vihara, Allavava (Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka).

After the Buddha himself, the most revered and universally popular figure in Buddhism is Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.

Tradition says that Avalokitesvara has 108 names, one of which is Natha and it is under this name that the bodhisattva is still worshipped in Sri Lanka.

Stamps:
1-2 State Vesak Festival 2016
(Issued 02-05-2016)

State Vesak Festival 2016
(Issued 22-05-2016)