Description

This labyrinth-shaped diagram in red ink is on the back of the sūri-mantra-paṭa.

This is a nandyāvarta, which is one of the eight auspicious symbolsaṣṭa-mangala.

This diagram was only found in spring 2013, when restoration and conservation work revealed an intermediate lining on the back of the paṭa. When this was peeled back, two nandyāvartas were visible on the reverse of the paṭa.

It is not known when these symbols were added, who drew them or why, although it is likely that the nandyāvartas are believed to increase the power of the maṇḍala on the front.