Footprints of the Buddha
Long before the image of Buddha first appeared, the footprints of the Buddha were venerated by the followers of Buddha. It remains an object of veneration in all Buddhist countries today. The footprints generally show all the toes to be of equal length and bear the distinguishing marks of a Dhamma wheel or cakra at the centre of the sole. Both of these are among the 32 distinctive signs of the Buddha.
The story goes that prior to his death the Buddha left an imprint of his foot on a stone near Kusinara, a reminder of his presence on earth.
 Limestone panel of the Buddhapada, Amaravati Stupa, India, 1st cent. BC. (British Museum). |
 Large Buddha footprint from 1st-cent Gandhara, with wheel and Tisarana (Triratna) symbols. Now in Tokyo. |
 Large footprint of the Buddha in Wat Bowon temple, Thailand. |
