This image of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, shows the deity in the posture of relaxation (lalitasana), often seen in Pala-period images of princely bodhisattvas, probably to symbolize their activity and accessibility. Its rich carvings, elaborate details, and pointed tops date this relief to the late 11th or early 12th century.

Avalokiteshvara is worshipped in a wide array of forms, and in this case is represented as Khasarpana Lokeshvara. The Khasarpana, or 'sky-gliding,' formis youthful, has two arms, and wears his hair in a tall matted coiffure with an image of Amitabha Buddha on his headdress. The five directional buddhas are seated on lotus pedestals at the top of the sculpture. Female deities stand to either side of the central figure: the two-armed figure to the bodhisattva's right is Tara, and the four-armed figure with a stupa in her headdress is Bhirkuti.

Esoteric Buddhism includes an astonishing number of deities in a mind-boggling array of forms; the secondaryfigures in a composition such as this relief function as symbols reinforcing the theme--here the importance of compassion--and help in identification of the main deity. The figures on the base of the relief include a preta or 'hungry ghost' named Suchimukha ('needle-nosed'), seated beneath Avalokiteshvara's outstretched right hand, which is held in the gesture of charity or offering. This composition illustrates the belief that Avalokiteshvara feeds nectar to the hungry ghosts as a symbol of his infinitecompassion for all human beings. In addition, a long inscription engraved at the bottom of the base begins with the traditional Buddhist consecratory formula and offers pious wishes for the enlightenment of all beings.