Footprints of the Buddhas of this era in Thailand and the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Myanmar

This book traces the evolution of Buddha Footprints from early origins in India to the creation of a magnificent gold version in honor of Queen Sikrit's Sixth Cycle in 1992. Early Footprints were natural impressions in rock. Later the Footprint became an important medium for illustrating Buddhist cosmology. Virginia Di Crocco's deeply researched text explains how the iconography changed with developments in beliefs about then world and with currents in Buddhist devotional practice. The text is supported by over 150 color illustrations of Buddha Footprints in Thailand and adjacent areas. The book is a landmark record of the practice of making Buddha Footprints, as well as a major contribution to the religious and artistic history of Southeast Asia. Preface 5 Introduction 7 Acknowledgements 8 Contents 10 Chapter I: The Gold Footprint of the Four Buddhas 14 Chapter II: Early Buddha Footprints in the Indian Subcontinent and Sri Lanka. 19 Chapter III: Footprints deemed those of the Buddha Gotama 28 Chapter IV: Buddha Footprints created in Southeast Asia prior to the 13th century and the evolution and meaning of Buddha Footprints with 108 Auspicious Symbols 31 44 Chapter V: Theravada Buddhism in Thailand and the creation of Buddha Footprints ca. early 13th to mid 14th century 66 Chapter VI: Buddha Footprints created in Thailand ca. mid 14th century to 1531 78 Chapter VII: Buddha Footprints created in Thailand in the l7th and 18th century prior to 1767 and the fall of the kingdom of Ayudhya 103 Chapter VIII: Buddha Footprints created by or for the form er King of Ayudhya 172 Chapter IX: Buddha Footprints created during the reigns of King Taksin of Thonburi and Kings Rama I 176 Chapter X: Buddha Footprints created during the reigns of Kings Rama IV to Rama IX the Great of the Chakri Dynasty 214 Chapter XI: The Gold Right Footprint of the Four Buddhas of this Bhaddakappa created by the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage to Honor the Sixtieth Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit 244 Chapter XII: The Casting of the Gold Footprint of the Four Buddhas Map showing location of Buddha Footprints in Thailand 249 Bibliography 255 List of Buddha Footprints mentioned in this book 268