Maitreya – The Future Buddha – This photo was taken at the Bihar Museum in Patna (Bihar).
Image of Maitreya – Maitreya is the Future Buddha. His name Maitreya is derived from the Sanskrit word maitri meaning “friendship”. He currently resides as a Bodhisatva in Tushita Heaven. Four thousand (4000) years after the Nirvana of Shakya Buddha, he will be incarnate on earth in human form. Only Maitreya is in the Boddhisatvas, who is respected by both the Hinayanist and Mahayanist. Maitreya is seated in Maharajalilasana posture. His right hand is in Abhay mudra and the left hand had Nagakesara flower. He is depicted with an ajina (deer skin) over his left shoulder. A stupa is engraved in the middle of his jatamukut which is his distinctive identity. Acquired from Vishnupur. Gaya. 11th c. AD. Arch. – 1682.
(Source: Display Board)