Votive Stupa with repeated Buddha images

Temple 12, Nalanda

This important stupa is decorated with multiple Buddha images, signifying the power and blessings of the Godhood1. Its upper part is unfortunately lost to posterity, but as for the remainder, The bottom row (let's call it row 1) displays bhumisparsha mudra, touching the earth; row 2 is dharmachakra mudra, teaching; row 3 is dhyana mudra, meditation. Row 4 is varada mudra, dispelling fear. Rows 5 and 6 are bhumisparsha again. 7 is dyana, and 8 is dharmachakra.

According to the most likely rule of continuation (equal number of image types), I would expect 4 missing rows = 1 dharmachakra + 1 dhyana + 2 varadha.


1As also happens in the iconography of Shiva, for example at Sahasra Linga in Bhubaheshwar.