Perambalur Buddha Statues

Perambalur Buddhas are a set of ancient Buddha statues that were found in the Thiyaganur village in Perambalur district, the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Buddha statues are also known by the name of the village - Thiyaganur Buddha statues. One of the Buddhas is enshrined in the small temple which is known by the name of Thiyaganur Buddha temple. Along with the Buddha statues, the temple also houses other images which are scattered in the village.

Scholars and historians believe that the Buddha statues date from the 11th century. It is also recorded that this Buddhist temple is the only one surviving temple in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the village Thiyaganur is regarded and one of the Buddhist centers in the Tamil Nadu.

Historical account of the Perambalur Buddha statues

It is believed that Buddhism was spread and popular in this region around the 3rd century BCE during the rule of Asoka. It is recorded that the Buddhism was flourished for a long time and various dynasties also supported it. It was only after the Bhakti movement during the 6th-9th centuries which reduced Royal patronage for the Buddhism. But it was recorded that it was sponsored while constructing the Buddhist shrines in Nagapattinam during the rule of Emperor Raja Raja Chola in the 11th century CE. It was also recorded in the Buddhist texts by the eminent Buddhist that the Buddhism was followed in the 13th century. Likewise, historians also suggested that the Buddhism was followed in both big towns and as well as small villages. The best example is the Perambalur itself.

Iconography of the Perambalur Buddha statues

There are two Buddha statues enshrined in this small village Thiyaganur. One of them is housed in the pillared compound while another one is located on a private farm. Later the private farm was converted into a Buddhist Dhyana Mandap, meditation center during 2013 CE and enshrined the Buddha statue. The construction of the meditation center was about the budget of 50 lakhs which was contributed by the public. When observed closely, the Buddha statue was constructed similarly to the Buddhist shrine in Rajagiri, Bihar.

Both of the Buddha statues are depicted in the cross-legged seating posture which has a height of 6 ft. The statues are included with coal black hair and are depicted with a smile. The hand is depicted as resting in the crossed leg. The right-hand rest above the left hand showing the Dhyana mudra. Both the statue sits on the ground but after positioning one of the statues in the meditation center, the Buddha statue sits above the pedestal of lotus petals.

The Buddha statue enshrined in the temple is equipped with the real monastic robe and the flower garland. The Buddha statue enshrined in the meditation sits with nothing like above-mentioned materials.

It is recorded that there are other antique Buddha statues scattered in the villages. Some of them are in ruined conditions and some have been preserved in the temples.

Culture at Thiyaganur

In Thiyaganur, the Buddha statue is known as the deity, Buddha Samy. Due to the acculturation of the Hindu and also the people are not aware of the history of the Buddha, the people worship the image as the Hindu. They decorate the statue with flowers and also decorative clothes. The people apply sacred ash in the forehead of the statue which is seen during the worship. The statue is also offered garland and Pongal, a local dishes constitutes rice mixture. It is recorded that this dish is offered to the deities as the last step of the rituals.

We manage huge collection of various period and regional Buddhist arts in our Buddha shop in the Netherlands which is showcased in our online Buddha statues gallery. Please feel free to visit and know more about the Buddha statues.

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