Manjushri-ghosha, Kumara (English: Youthful Prince, Melodious Voice): when this photo was taken in December 1980 the sculpture resided in a temple in the Laughing Charnel Ground across from the entrance to the Bodhgaya Temple, Bihar, India. It is said that sometime after that date this sculpture was replaced with a fake or substitute image of Manjushri. The whereabouts of the sculpture shown here are unknown (stolen?).

This form of Manjushri is non-iconic, or aniconic. It is not described in Tantric texts, meditations or rituals. It is based on the Sutra literature. The pose with the right hand grasping the sword at the chest is seen in a few other sculptures of Manjushri, primarily Western Himalayan standing figures. The left hand turned with the back of the hand resting on the thigh is reminiscent of a royal pose. The left leg pendant is unusual as it typically signifies a more wrathful or fierce manner. Over-all this sculpture is a master work of Pala creativity. The artist has captured the image of Manjushri as a prince with both beauty and strength.

Jeff Watt 1-2009