Unknown Provenance
Angkorian period, Bayon style, Late 12th-Early 13th century
Sandstone, Gallery of 1,000 Buddha images

This sitting Buddha statue is depicted with both hands in the Dhyana Mudra (meditation gesture), palms facing upward with the right hand resting on the left. The headdress is decorated with a conical, lotus bud-shaped ushnisha; traces of a clinging Buddhist robe appear on the torso.

This peaceful statue of Buddha Protected by Naga illustrates a great event that occurred following his enlightenment: During the sixth week of his post-enlightenment meditation, a torrential rainstorm was unleashed for an entire week. Muchalinda, King of the Serpents, emerged and protected Buddha’s meditation by coiling his body around the great master, his outspread hood providing shelter until the rain ceased.