Tamil Nadu News

Ancient Buddha Sculpture – Vedaranyam

May 17 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 23 0

An ancient Buddha sculpture was identified at the Pidari Amman temple complex in Umbalacheri village near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
The stone sculpture shows Buddha in a meditative posture called ardhapadmasana with elongated ears and a halo around the head.
Researchers identified Chola-style Buddhist features such as the ushnisha (cranial protuberance) and robe folds on the idol.
Nagapattinam district is known for its Buddhist heritage due to the historical presence of Buddhist viharas in Nagapattinam and Poompuhar.
Other Buddha statues have also been documented in places like Pushpavanam, Budhamangalam, Keezhaiyur, and Velankanni in the district.