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The deity Jambhala

Place of OriginSarnath area or Bodhgaya area, perhaps Uttar Pradesh or Bihar state, India
Dateapprox. 1000-1100
MaterialsSandstone
DimensionsH. 24 1/4 in x W. 13 1/2 in x D. 5 in, H. 61.6 cm x W. 34.3 cm x D. 12.7 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB63S8+
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 3
Inscribed"Buddhist creed" Damaged inscription in corrupt Sanskrit and Eastern Indian script (see translation by Gouriswar Bhattacharya 11/17/2000).
More Information
Jambhala is chief among a group of deities known as yakshas, who are closely associated with nature and the riches of the earth. The overturned treasure vases at the base of this sculpture and the mongoose spitting forth jewels in Jambhala’s left hand indicate his ability to grant wealth and prosperity. Jambhala and other yakshas were the focus of numerous local religions before Hinduism,
Buddhism, and Jainism emerged as major religious forces more than two thousand years ago. To win the support of local communities, the proponents of these three new faiths incorporated many such deities into their pantheons.
Subject
  • deity
  • Hinduism
  • Jambhala