Which of the following statements with reference to Mahayana (Buddhism) is/are correct?
1. Female deities are benevolent saviours and protectors who embody Buddhist virtues.
2. In Prajñāpāramitā texts, knowledge is visualised in feminine form, as a deity called Prajñāpāramitā.
3. Prajñāpāramitā is described as the source of the omniscience of all the Buddhas and the mother of all the Buddhas.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
• Mahayana Buddhism developed a rich pantheon including female deities and Bodhisattvas (e.g., Tara) who act as compassionate saviours and protectors—statement 1 is correct.
• In the Prajñāpāramitā corpus, wisdom (prajñā) is frequently personified in feminine form as the goddess Prajñāpāramitā—statement 2 is correct.
• Prajñāpāramitā is termed the “Mother of all Buddhas” because the transcendental wisdom she personifies is the source of Buddhahood—statement 3 is correct.
Information Booster:
• Mahayana emphasises the Bodhisattva ideal, compassion (karuṇā) and transcendental wisdom (prajñā).
• Key texts include the Prajñāpāramitā sutras (e.g., Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra).
Additional Knowledge:
Female deities and Prajñāpāramitā concept
. Reflect Mahayana’s theological expansion and symbolic personifications.
. Are central to Mahayana devotional and philosophical literature.