Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes

Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called…

Buddha's calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation.
Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara.
Buddha's reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory.
Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context.

Answer

(a) Incorrect. Bhumisparsha Mudra means “earth-touching gesture,” where Buddha calls the Earth to bear witness to his spiritual attainment; it is not primarily described as asking Earth to guard him from Mara.
(b) Correct. This mudra symbolizes Buddha calling the Earth goddess to witness his purity/merit when challenged by Mara’s temptations before enlightenment.
(c) Incorrect. This idea about life’s transitoriness and return to Earth is not what Bhumisparsha Mudra signifies.
(d) Incorrect. Since (a) is not correctly stated in this context, both (a) and (b) cannot be correct.

Answer: (b)