Buddha statue identified

Thanjavur: A granite Buddha statue has been identified by B. Jambulingam of Tamil University at Valayamapuram in Valangaiman taluk of Tiruvarur district.According to Mr. Jambulingam, who has done an extensive study on Buddha statues for his doctorate entitled `Buddhism in the Chola Country,' this is the 64th statue found in the Chola country, comprising the composite Thanjavur, Tiruchi and Pudukottai districts. The statue is 92 cm in height and without the head.

The usual sacred thread with a wider fringe on the left chest extending to the navel is found. Chakra is found on the right palm.The statue has powerful and broad shoulders and wider chest. In the `Chola Country,' Buddha statues are found without the head in three places. They are Rayapmpuram in Peramblaur district, Gopinathaperumalkoil near Patteeswaram and Keelakurichi in Tiruchi district.The prevalence of Buddha statues at many places proved the existence of Buddhism in a flourishing stage in the Chola Country, Mr. Jambulingam said in a press release.