Early Buddhist Art
Artist: unknown
Title: Mahabodhi Temple, west side, east of the tree, vajrasana
Material: Sandstone
Site: Bodh Gaya, India
Current Location: Bodh Gaya, India
Period/Date: Mauryan period (ca. 323-185 B.C.E.)
Iconography/Iconology: The pitha (seat) of the enlightenment
of Sakyamuni Buddha. This stone platform was originally placed under the
tree by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in approximately 250 B.C.E. Although
popularly called the vajrasana, it is actually an offering platform
ment to receive puja from devotees who came to worship the seat of
the enlightenment.
Stylistic Comments: see details on next page
