In the Buddhacharita of Ashvaghosha it is said: "The place where this Peepal (Bodhi) tree stands is the navel of the whole world. There is no other place in the world which could have withstood the great impact of Buddha's Samadhi." Buddha, adorned with a flowing robe, making the gesture of blessing with his upraised right hand. The three-layered pedestal is richly decorated, over which he is seated in padmasana - the yogic posture of meditation. The halo behind him is bordered with lotus petals. The Bodhi Tree itself spreads its magnificent foliage over him, densely laden with leaves and fruits, on which roost many birds, as if singing out in celebration of Buddha's Enlightenment.
The historical Bodhi tree is still there at the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya (about 100 km from Patna in the Indian state of Bihar) under which Gautam Buddha arrived at Bodhi (enlightenment). The Bodhi Tree belongs to the Sacred Figs (Ficus religiosa), also known as Bo, Pipul (Peepal) or Ashwattha trees, which are sacred to Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is easily recognizable from its heart-shaped leaves, which are prominently displayed here.
The Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple is called the Sri MahaBodhi. According to Buddhism, after his Enlightenment, the Buddha spent a whole week in front of the tree, standing with unblinking eyes, gazing at it with gratitude. A shrine was later erected on the spot where he so stood.
The spot was used as a shrine even in the lifetime of the Buddha, the only shrine that could be so used. King Ashoka (ca 250 BC) was most diligent in paying homage to the Bodhi tree, and held a festival every year in its honor in the month of Karttika. His queen, Tissarakkha was jealous of the Tree, and three years after she became queen (i.e., in the nineteenth year of Asoka's reign), she caused the tree to be killed by means of mandu thorns. The tree, however, grew again, and a great monastery was attached to it called the Bodhimanda Vihara.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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