Kuruma: The Hidden Buddhist Site near Konark

Kuruma Archaeological Site / Image Credit

About 8 km from the famed Sun Temple at Konark, the ancient Buddhist archaeological site of Kuruma in the Puri district is located in the sleepy village of Jama Dharma in Odisha.

Kuruma Archaeological Site 1 / Image credit

Among the most interesting discoveries from Kuruma is an image of a crowned Buddha seated in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, known as the "Earth Witness Gesture".

In this famous gesture, the Buddha touches the ground with his right hand, calling upon the Earth to witness his triumph over the temptations and distractions of the supernatural Mara, the demon of illusion. Mara is best known for his temptation of the historical Buddha.

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