Chunda, Goddess of Wisdom: Famous Sculpture

Q: Where can I see it?

At the Art Institute of Chicago. A 9th-century bronze from Central Java.

This 9th-century bronze from Central Java depicts Chunda, a Buddhist goddess of eternal wisdom. She appears with sixteen arms holding symbolic implements: an axe, discus, conch, water vessel, palm-leaf book, rosary, lotus, and sword, among others. Two hands make the dharmachakra mudra (turning the wheel of Buddhist teaching). The multiple arms indicate the popularity of esoteric Buddhism in Indonesia from the late 800s.

Each implement carries specific meaning: the lotus represents purity, the book references the Cundadharini text, the sword represents wisdom cutting through ignorance. Central Java experienced a Buddhist flowering from the late 700s to early 900s, the same era that produced Borobudur. Chunda worship also became popular in north India during the Pala Empire. The piece is at the Art Institute of Chicago.

A Buddhist goddess of eternal wisdom, associated with esoteric (Tantric) Buddhism. Her worship became popular in both Indonesia and north India during the Pala Empire (8th-12th centuries). Her multiple arms hold implements representing different aspects of wisdom and spiritual power.

Symbolic implements including an axe, discus, conch, water vessel, book, rosary, lotus (purity), and sword (wisdom cutting ignorance). Two hands form the teaching gesture. Each item carries specific doctrinal meaning.

Central Java experienced a Buddhist flowering from the late 700s to early 900s, producing monuments like Borobudur (completed c. 825 CE). Esoteric (Tantric) Buddhism became particularly popular, reflected in multi-armed deities like Chunda.

At the Art Institute of Chicago. A 9th-century bronze from Central Java.

Chunda, Goddess of Wisdom

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Where to See It

Also at Art Institute of Chicago

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About Chunda, Goddess of Wisdom

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