11th century Buddha statue found under peepal tree in Ariyalur

Researchers from Thanjavur Tamil University unearthed a rare idol of Buddha, which reportedly dates back to the 11th century, from a village in Ariyalur district. Two other idols were also discovered at the spot, sources said.

The Buddha idol unearthed from a village in Ariyalur district

Updated on:

27 Aug 2019, 8:41 pm

Thiruchirapalli

A team of researchers, including P Jambulingam, M Selvapandian and K Ravikumar-who have been researching on Buddhism in the Chola dynasty-discovered the rare idol of Buddha under a tree while on a field study at Pillaipalayam village near Udayarpalayam in Ariyalur district. The statue was found along with two idols of Vinayagar, sources said.

“It was a damaged idol that was found along with Vinayagar idols under a peepal tree. The idol measures 79 cm in height and was found at Pandiyan lake and people there worshipped Buddha. The right arm was totally damaged, while the left hand was partially damaged,” Jambulingam said. The idol, which is in sitting position, reportedly is of the period between the 10th and 11th centuries, and appears to be a Chola-era idol.

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11th century Buddha statue found under peepal tree in Ariyalur

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