Marichi
Dynasty : Pala, Eastern India
Period : Late Medieval 1100 CE
Material : Stone
Location : National Museum
Current Location : National Museum
Description :
Marichi (from Sanskrit “ray of light”), who is revered in the Buddhist tradition as a heavenly warrior and powerful protector goddess. Marichi protects human beings from physical dangers and harm, sudden death, thieves, wildlife, snakes, poisons, fire, and other forces. She also removes doubts about faith in those who have lost their way, and illuminates the minds of those who are searching for a spiritual awakening. The dawn and the light associated with the goddess symbolize the radiance of spiritual illumination and enlightenment. Marichi is usually depicted sitting on a lotus, a boar, or a chariot drawn by seven wild boars. The boars symbolize the militant and defensive force of the goddess. The number of the seven boars is associated with the seven planets governing the days of the week in Indian astronomy.
A large plaque showing Buddhist goddess Marichi in high relief made in black stone. Standing in pratyalidha pose on a double lotus pedestal mounted on a chariot drawn by seven animals, there are also two wheels on either side. It is driven by a female sitting in front between both the legs of the Goddess. Marichi is three-headed and six-armed. She is wearing a crown, earrings, a necklace, armlets, bracelets, anklets, a girdle at the waist and a yajnopavita which falls at the right thigh. She is holding a double thunderbolt in her upper right hand, the middle right arm is broken and the lower arm is holding some indistinct object near the right thigh. In the left hand she holds a noose and a flower, while the middle portion is lost. The lower left arm rests in the centre between the breasts. On the lower side are two devotees sitting in anjalimudra on either side, and above them are two flying figures.