This gilded bronze figure of Buddha sits in bhumisparsha mudra (earth-witnessing gesture) on a high-plinth and is venerated by five monks. They are perhaps the five mendicants whom Shakyamuni (Buddha before enlightenment) encountered during his search for the path to enlightenment. The 10-tiered plinth consists of tiny individual Buddha images.Theravada Buddhism is a state religion for Thailand. Buddhist images embody not only the teaching of Buddhism but also animistic elements incorporated into the religion as protective powers. This object, although associated with Buddha or Shakyamuni, offer protection or fulfils personal aspirations in the places of worship.
