A standing figure of the Buddha, unusually making two hand gestures, the raised hand in abhaya–mudra offering protection to the faithful, and the lowered hand in varada-mudra, the granting of boons or favours. Each hands has an auspicious mark (laksana) on the exposed palm. The Buddha is framed in an elaborate arched-surround (torana), with slender open-work pilasters with elaborate base and capital mouldings supporting flamboyant makara-creatures whose tails create the framing nimbus for the Buddha. The torana displays traces of inlaid lapis lazuli, a rare and prized material sourced in the region of Afghanistan.

The Buddha is depicted wearing his robes in the southern Indian manner, with the right shoulder exposed. The hair is represented by simple incisions rather than the conventional curls. Other details include a five-flamed cranial ushnisa, a forehead urna mark resembling an inverted question-mark and extended ear lobes. He stands on a plain lotus-type circular pedestal, the latter cast in one piece with a square base.

On the front of the base is a Tamil inscription in Grantha script, recording that the image, named as ‘Sivametangararmuvar’, was consecrated in the year Yuva on the 24th day of the month of Vaikasi.