Author:

Dr. Arpita Mitra
PhD Research Scholar
Calcutta University
Kolkata,West Bengal,India

Email: arpitaphd9@gmail.com

Abstract::In Therīgāthā the concept of beauty means not only the physical beauty but it throws light on the inner most beauty of therīs. Therīs like Sundāri Nānda is so named because of her beauty, Uppalavaṇṇā for her lotus like complexion,soher fame spread throughout Jaṃbudipa; Cāpā for her slim graceful figure like a bow and fair complexion was usually admired by the people. It is said that Khemā, the queen of Biṃbisārā, had a golden complexion. During the Buddhist era, beauty was revered, admired and elevated. Though Therīgāthā mainly consists of monastic life, but they do not conceal a taste for artistic appreciation of therīs. Artisitc instinct and appreciation of beauty was possessed in therīgāthā. Appreciation of beauty is found in the Buddhist sculptures and paintings. The general concept of woman’s beauty lies in five things, namely: hair, complexion, bone, youth and skin. It is said that Aṃbāpāli used to allow her hair to fall its full length and then place on it a golden comb cum pin. Therīgāthā, the Pāli text gives the idea about the spiritual achievements of women from princess to general. The paper would discuss the therīs sufferings and hindrances in their personal and social life.But they overcome all these obstacles to achieve the ultimate goal through their inner beauty which will help modern people.

Key Words:: Aṃbāpāli, Inner beauty , Monastic life , Pāli, Therīgāthā, Therīs etc.