The original statue of Buddha, known as the Mahabodhi Image or the Image of the True Face, was believed to be an actual portrait of the Buddha. Since it had been destroyed, another one was carved out of black chlorite during the 10th or the 11th century was installed in the temple. Much later it was covered with gold paint and its facial features were repainted in Tibetan style. Later on it was covered in gold. This is now sits inside the temple.

The original statue of Buddha, known as the Mahabodhi Image or the Image of the True Face, was believed to be an actual portrait of the Buddha. Since it had been destroyed, another one was carved out of black chlorite during the 10th or the 11th century was installed in the temple. Much later it was covered with gold paint and its facial features were repainted in Tibetan style. Later on it was covered in gold. This is now sits inside the temple.