1997 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies

Question 86: History and Culture

In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as

aVajrapani
bManjusri
cPadmapani
dMaitreya

AnswerThe answer is (c).

In Mahayana Buddhism Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is also called Padmapani, the one who holds a lotus. Vajrapani holds the thunderbolt and stands for power, Manjusri stands for wisdom, and Maitreya is the Buddha of the future. Remember: padma means lotus, so Padmapani is the lotus-bearer.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Vajrapani holds the thunderbolt and stands for power.
  • (b) Manjusri is the bodhisattva of wisdom.
  • (c) Right: Padmapani, the lotus-bearer, is Avalokitesvara.
  • (d) Maitreya is the Buddha of the future.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.