UPSC Prelims 1997·GS1·art-and-culture·religion and literature

In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as

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  1. AVajrapani
  2. BManjusri
  3. CPadmapaniCorrect
  4. DMaitreya

Explanation

The correct answer is C because Padmapani literally means the one who holds the lotus in Sanskrit. In Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokitesvara is the Bodhisattva who represents infinite compassion and is traditionally depicted holding a pink lotus flower. While the other options are also Bodhisattvas, they represent different qualities. Vajrapani represents power and holds a thunderbolt. Manjusri represents wisdom and holds a sword. Maitreya is the future Buddha who is yet to appear on Earth. Therefore, Avalokitesvara is specifically identified with the name Padmapani.
art-and-culture: In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as

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