“This volume presents a comprehensive study of Indian Buddhist iconography, primarily based on a Sanskrit text compiled from seven recensions of the SÀdhanamÀlÀ (also known as SÀdhanamuccaya). The text is richly illustrated with images of Buddhist deities from various museums across India and abroad, as well as from the collections of numerous Nepalese monasteries.
The central objective of this work is to identify Buddhist deities through the dhyÀnas (meditative visualizations) described in the SÀdhanamÀlÀ. Where actual images were unavailable, illustrations have been supplemented by sketches or drawings prepared by Nepalese citrakÀras of Buddhist lineage, based on ancient family albums. In cases where neither images nor drawings could be found, only the original Sanskrit text has been provided with its English translation.
The significance of this work lies not only in its status as one of the earliest authentic accounts of Buddhist iconography but also in its enduring value despite evolving scholarly perspectives and the emergence of new materials.
Remaining out of print for long, this volume is now being reissued with appropriate enhancement of the images, using latest publishing technologies, to serve the needs of art historians, archaeologists, conservators, and general readers alike.”