Why the Buddha Head Statue is Head and Shoulders Above the Rest

Table of Content

•  Buddha Head Statue: Symbol and History

• Buddha: The Conscience

• The Buddha Bust

• The Hair

• The Eyes

• The Ears

• The Lips

• The Jewellery

• The Expression

• Want to Know More?

• Conclusion

Buddha Head Statue: Symbol and History

Since time immemorial, statues have been crafted to both capture and preserve the true-to-life likeness of leaders and luminaries in order for them to be honored and adored for all ages.

There are few individuals worthier of such reverence than Buddha. The Buddha head statue represents not only his holy figure but his divine spirit as well, depicting Buddha’s calm and composed demeanor.

According to Indian tradition, statues and icons do not only possess aesthetic value, representing the image of an idol. They are also, in fact, a physical vessel that carries with them the intangible qualities of the idol.

The Indian ceremony of Pran-pratishtha recognizes the bequeathal of life on the lifeless icon of an idol. However, long before the ceremony, from the moment the craftsman begins to create the statue, the sacred process of bestowing both the physical and spiritual attributes of an icon begins.

The beauty of statues, such as the Buddha head statue, is in both the accurate representation of physical features and in the artistic interpretation of the idol’s spirit.

The Buddha head statue and other Buddha head decor have long been welcomed in the homes of Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Beyond a sacred piece of religious art, the buddha head statue holds a deeper meaning in both its representation of Buddha and for his devotees.

In this article, Exotic India will be introducing you to the Buddha head statue, otherwise known as Tathagata. We’ll be discussing both the physical bust of Buddha and his introspective profile as the Enlightened One.

21" Large Size Buddha Head In Brass | Handmade | Made In India

Buddha: The Conscience

Born Siddharth Gautama, prince of the kingdom Kapilavastu, Buddha had every luxury imaginable available to him. Sheltered from the realities of human life, he was naïve to suffering and pain.

However, ignorance is not always a bliss and Buddha’s eyes were soon opened to the lives of those around him. During a royal tour, Prince Siddharth saw what real life was like for ordinary individuals with his very own eyes.

This would prove to be a turning point for him and an event known as the Four Great Sights in Buddhism. Deeply moved by what he saw and had become aware of, he decided to embark on a journey to discover the root of all suffering and the solution to it.

From then on, he devoted his life to meditation and austerities, transforming from the royal Prince Siddharth to Buddha, the Enlightened One. Having attained nirvana, Buddha’s followers had the desire to both worship him and emulate his example.

This motivated them to sculpt icons of Buddha in varying forms and sizes. Of all the variations of Buddha statues and icons, the Buddha head statue has become the most popular, especially in modern Indian homes.

Outside of the home, Buddha head décor can be found in many places, including offices, hotels, and countless other public spaces. The Buddha head décor adds both a religious symbol and stylish aesthetic to these spaces.

When it comes to its historicity and veracity, the Buddha head statue is equal to any other sculpture or rendering of Buddha. However, what makes it special over all others is the accurate physiognomy created by artists and the combination of fine details and artistic expression within a highly limited space.

Because of this, Buddha head statues are in high demand, preferred by art connoisseurs and novices alike. Regardless of the limited canvas that a Buddha head statue provides, it is sculpted with countless meanings behind every feature.

The Buddha head statue has thirty-two Lakshanas, which are more than simply physical traits that represent Buddha. Thirty-two is a lucky number in Buddhism and thirty-two Lakshanas is said to be the symbol of a maha-purush or great man.

24" Large Size Buddha Head In Brass | Handmade | Made In India

The Buddha Bust

The bust of Buddha is created to be symmetrical on both sides, representing his perfection and purity. The Buddha head statue, in particular, symbolizes Buddha’s knowledge, divine wisdom, and the path to enlightenment. Sculpted as a young idol with a calm, composed, and pleased expression, this conveys Buddha’s eternal happiness and how he transcends worldly sufferings.

The Hair

As a young prince, Siddharth had a top knot, which he shaved after achieving enlightenment. The Buddha head statue portrays Buddha with curly hair that has been cut off yet not shaved, representing the balance or middle path between austerity and indulgence. According to mythical stories, Buddha’s curls are actually snails covering his shaved head.

The Eyes

Buddha’s eyes are neither fully opened nor completely closed. They are half-open, showing him to be in deep meditation. They also symbolize Buddha with his eyes simultaneously trained on both the inner and outer world.

The eyes are considered to be among the most majestic features of the Buddha head statue. Between Buddha’s symmetric eyes and evenly shaped eyebrows is the Urna or his third eye.

The third eye, which is sometimes depicted by a lone tuft of hair, represents spiritual awakening and the vision beyond the physical realm.

The Ears

In nearly every depiction of Buddha, including Buddha head statues, his ears have an elongated shape. This silhouette reflects Buddha's early life as Prince Siddharth when his ears would have been weighed down by the adornment of heavy jewels. Aside from this, the long ears represent Buddha’s divine ability to listen to his followers.

The Lips

Buddha is eternally depicted with serene, smiling lips. This is because, despite all suffering and pain, Buddha’s wisdom transcends the physical realm, possessing a greater understanding of the universe at large. He recognizes true happiness amidst transient troubles.

The Jewellery

Buddha head statues typically represent Buddha unadorned with any lavish jewelry. Despite being born a Prince and having physical attributes that speak of his royal life, he has achieved enlightenment and has no desire for any earthly riches.

The Expression

Buddha’s expression as represented in Buddha head statues is one of peace, serenity, self-possession, and composure. One could describe it as a countenance of poised divinity and tranquil meditation, which physically represents Buddha’s spiritual enlightenment.

For followers gazing upon a Buddha head statue, beyond décor, it is a visual representation of enlightenment and an impetus for meditation.

    15" Large Size Lord Buddha Head In Brass | Handmade | Made In India

Want to Know more about Buddha head statues?

The choice of Buddha head decor as religious art for homes and other living spaces is not only aesthetically pleasing but meaningful as well. One can discover a variety of Buddha head statues online.

Exotic India takes pride in its collection of some of the very best Buddha head statues. You’ll find Buddha head decor for your home, which is made from high-quality metal, stone, and ceramics.

They’re meticulously designed and crafted for modern homes and contemporary offices, showcasing artistry, while always respecting and remaining faithful to the traditional renditions of Buddha.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your office or a traditional Buddha head statue for your home, view our wide collection of Buddha head decor to find one that’s perfect for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Buddha head statues are a common and recognizable form of Buddhist art, often depicting the head and shoulders of the Buddha.

• The head of the Buddha is considered the most important and sacred part of the body, as it represents wisdom, enlightenment, and the attainment of the ultimate goal of Buddhism.

• Buddha head statues are often depicted with a serene and peaceful expression, symbolizing the Buddha's detachment from worldly concerns and his focus on spiritual development.

• The ushnisha, a protrusion on the top of the Buddha's head, represents his elevated consciousness and spiritual insight.

• Buddha head statues are often used in meditation and spiritual practice, as they serve as a reminder of the Buddha's teachings and the path towards enlightenment.

• The placement and direction of Buddha head statues can also impact their effectiveness in promoting positive energy and spiritual growth in the home or meditation space.