Sandalwood Buddha Statue

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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