PROTO-HINDU BUDDHIST DEITIES MAHESVARA AND HARITI IN GANDHARA

In the paper, we analyze the Kusana divine couple of OH(sic)O and NANA/OMMO/AP Delta OXS(sic)O, extremely popular in the late antiquity in today's Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, and we show that they have some Mazdean origins, but at the time of Kusanas and Kusansahs they correspond, most probably, to the couple of Mahesvara and Hariti/Uma taken from the early Mahayana texts. Some Shaivist signs at the early Buddhist sites of Gandhara such as images of mother goddess as well as lingams and yonis may be connected to this Buddhist couple, as well.

Automated summary

This paper explores the origins of the Kusana divine couple, suggesting they are linked to the Mahayana texts' couple of Mahesvara and Hariti/Uma. It also proposes a connection between Shaivist signs found at early Buddhist sites in Gandhara and this Buddhist couple.