Seated on a double-lotus base in dhyanasana pose, the Buddha places his left hand on his lap in a meditative gesture, while holding his right hand in the earth-touching gesture, bhumisparsha mudra – this gesture symbolises the key moment at Bodh Gaya, when the Buddha called upon the earth to bear witness to his enlightenment. A carved parasol of Bodhi leaves shades his head. The Buddha has a serene expression and downcast eyes; his lips are upturned in a gentle smile. His enlightenment is shown through the stylised, flaming nimbus around his head. The deity is flanked by two stupas, placed on the architectural throne back, which, in turn, is supported by two flanking leogryphs. He wears simple, Sarnath-style robes that drape over his left shoulder and arm – leaving the right side exposed – and fall to his ankles.

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