Sandalwood Buddha Statue

About the Sandalwood Buddha statue:

• The Buddha figure, made of pure sandalwood, has hand carvings along with traditional designs and natural scenes.
• In this posture, Buddha is sitting in ‘dhyana mudra’ under the Bodhi tree.
  • The ‘dhyana mudra’ is the mudra of meditation and the attainment of spiritual perfection.
  • According to tradition, this mudra derives from the one assumed by the Buddha when meditating under the Bodhi tree before his enlightenment.
  • The obverse of the image has an intricate carving of the Bodhi tree.
• The Kadamwood Jali Box in which the statue was encased is also considered auspicious in Indian culture.
• The art of sandalwood carving is an exquisite and ancient craft that has been practised in Karnataka for centuries.

Key facts about the sandalwood tree

• Indian Sandalwood is a dry deciduous forest species native to China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines
• It has been an important part of Indian culture for centuries and is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and prized woods in the world.
• Major Growing areas in India: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Q1) What is special about Kadambawood?

Kadamba or Kadam is honored with a scientific name – “Neolamarckia cadamba,” also commonly known as “Bur flower tree.” It is a fast-growing, evergreen tropical tree with unique flowers native to South and Southeast Asia.

Source: PM Modi gifts sandalwood Buddha statue to Japanese PM Fumio Kishida

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