Avalokiteshvara, a Bodhisattva in Buddhism containing the mercy of all the Buddhas, has 108 incarnations; the most notable of them is Padmapani (the one who bears the lotus). In the Mahavastu, it is described that the Lord incarnated as a Bodhisattva named Avalokiteshvara, whose duty was to observe the four directions for constant public welfare and happiness during the time between Shakya Buddha and Maitreya Buddha. For this reason, Padmapani was named Avalokiteshvara. Avalokiteshvara is the spiritual son of the Dhyani Buddha (Amitabha) and his Sakti Pandara. In this sculpture, Avalokiteshvara is seated on a cushion in Ardhaparyankasana posture. His Right hand is in Abhaya Mudra, and the left-hand holds a lotus- flower. A Buddha is engraved in the middle of his Jatamukuta, which is his distinctive identity. There is a mala (rosary) around the neck, Bajubanda on the arms and Kangan in the hands. This sculpture was discovered in Vishnupur, Gaya.
