The Distinct Statutes and Symbolisms of Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira

The statues and iconographics of Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira, as well as other Tirthankars, carry unique attributes that symbolize their distinct philosophies and beliefs. This article delves into the major differences that set these statues apart, ranging from their physical appearances to the spiritual beliefs they represent.

Introduction to Statues of Lord Buddha

Lord Buddha's statues are distinguishable by their presence of a tiara or hair bun, a closed or half-closed eye posture, and in some cases, the absence of earrings. Unlike Tirthankars, Buddha's statues typically have cloth covering their bodies, most notably on their chest, symbolizing completeness and protection.

Distinctive Features of Lord Buddha's Statues

Hair and Hair Bun: Lord Buddha's statues often depict a hair bun on top of the head, a symbol not typically seen in Tirthankar statues. Tirthankar statues do not show such hair buns, reflecting the unique characteristics attributed to Buddha.

Posture of Eyes: In most Buddha statues, the eyes are depicted as closed or slightly open. This posture symbolizes deep meditation and inner peace. In contrast, Tirthankar statues, both Digambara (naked) and Swetambara (clad in white), show half-closed, gentle eyes, reflecting a state of contemplation and detachment from the material world.

Earrings: Buddha's statues almost never show earrings, signifying his renunciation of earthly possessions. Tirthankar statues, particularly those of the Digambara tradition, also do not sport earrings, mirroring this sense of simplicity and detachment. However, in Swetambara Tirthankar statues, earrings can be present, indicating a different tradition's interpretation.

Lord Mahavira’s Distinctive Attributes

Symbolism and Identifications: Lord Mahavira’s statues, in comparison to Lord Buddha, have distinct identifying marks. For instance, Mahavira's statues have a SriVatsa mark (a symbol commonly found on the chest), signifying his divine descent. In contrast, Buddha's statues usually have a cloth covering the chest, reflecting his teachings on bodily protection and completeness.

Physical Shape: Another notable difference is the exposure of Mahavira's body. Lack of cloth covering on Mahavira statues signifies the complete renunciation of earthly desires. On the other hand, Buddha’s statues always depict a hand raised in mudra, symbolizing enlightenment and the protective presence of the Buddha.

Meditative Pose: Mahavira’s statues are often depicted in the Vedic Ardha-Padmasana meditative pose (half-lotus position), symbolizing his deep meditation and spiritual enlightenment. This posture is distinct from Buddha, who is often shown with a raised hand (usually the Dharmachakra Mudra) or in the Mahasammata Mudra position, both signifying different stages of meditation and enlightenment.

Confusions and Misinterpretations

There are occasional confusions and misinterpretations regarding certain aspects of the statues, such as:

Hair and Hair Bun: Some artists may depict the first Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhdev, with longer hair, but this is not a strict mandate. Additionally, the choice of skin color in Tirthankar statues, especially during their kingly life, can vary among different artistic traditions.

Chakras: The presence and interpretation of chakras vary among different schools of thought and artistic traditions. Clear guidelines are not provided across all traditions, leading to variations in representation.

Conclusion

The differences between Lord Buddha's and Lord Mahavira's statues are rich with symbolic and philosophical meanings. Understanding these differences helps in recognizing the unique aspects of each tradition, providing a deeper appreciation of the spiritual journey of liberation (moksha) that they represent. These distinctions are not only visual but also spiritual, reflecting the distinct paths of enlightenment followed by each Tirthankar.