Lord Buddhas image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called Bhumisparsha Mudra. It symbolizes:

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Q: 97 (IAS/2012)
Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ’Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes:

question_subject: 

History

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,173,225,59,173,99,67

keywords: 

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The hand gesture called `Bhumisparsha Mudra` in Lord Buddha`s image symbolizes Buddha`s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara.

According to Buddhist mythology, when Buddha was meditating under the Bodhi tree, Mara, the demon of desire, tried to tempt him away from his path of enlightenment. Mara claimed that the seat of enlightenment rightfully belonged to him and not to Buddha. In response, Buddha touched the ground with his right hand, and the Earth Goddess, Sthavara, testified to his purity and worthiness to sit on the throne of enlightenment. Therefore, the Bhumisparsha Mudra is also known as the "gesture of touching the Earth" and represents the moment when Buddha overcame Mara`s temptation and attained enlightenment.

Therefore, option (b) "Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara" is the correct answer.