Indian restaurant billboard

Note the wide variety of cooking styles supposedly available at this restaurant -- and, more important, the use of Buddha as a symbol to attract potential customers. Niranjana is a Sanskrit word meaning "spotless" or "pure." Ambap?Ÿli, also known as "Ambap?Ÿlika" or "Amrap?Ÿli", was a nagarvadhu (royal courtesan) of the republic of Vaishali in ancient India around 500 BCE. Following the Buddha's teachings she became an Arahant. She is mentioned in the old Pali texts and Buddhist traditions, particularly in conjunction with Buddha staying at her Mango grove, Ambapali vana which she later donated to his Order, and wherein he preached the famous Ambapalika Sutta. "Homely" in India means "domestic," not "plain-looking."

Welch, Claude Emerson

State University of New York at Buffalo

2000-12

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Image

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Box 2

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India

Bodh Gaya, Bihar

2007-06-11

Welch-Ludwig Collection

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