Lotus throne

The precise form varies, but is intended to represent the opening flower of Nelumbo nucifera, the Indian lotus.

[7] In art the form is first seen as a base for rare early images of Laxmi from the 2nd century BCE; many or most of these may have a Buddhist context.

[12] In early Buddhist art it may be intended to specifically depict the second of the Twin Miracles in the legend of the Buddha's life.

In some accounts of this, when engaged in a contest with sorcerers, the Buddha multiplied himself into other bodies, which sat or stood on lotus flowers.

In historic sculpture there is very often a clear dividing line about halfway up; this type is called a "double-lotus" (vishvapadma) pedestal or throne.

A famous relief of Gaja-Laxmi in Cave 16 at Ellora shows a pond of lotus leaves and budding flowers as a vertical panel below the throne.

[21] The Sanchi stone relief illustrated here shows a similar composition with Queen Maya, mother of the Buddha.