A fine Northeast Indian, Pala style, phyllite stone stele with Avalokiteshvara-Lokanatha

Avalokiteshvara is not only known as the personification of mercy (karuna), but also known as 'the Lord of the World' or Lokanatha, and it is as Lokanatha, described in sacred texts, that he is shown here. His hieratic posture reflects his sovereignty as does his throne on which he sits. In his present form he is according to iconographic texts just flanked by a devotee and Hayagriva. Would he have been associated with Hayagriva, Tara, Bhrkuti and Kumara, his Khasarpana form would be represented. Lokanatha is surrounded by the five Cosmic Buddhas which suggests that he is ruling the cosmic world too.