Kizil Cave 76: Life of the Buddha - Defeat of Mara’s Daughters

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural was originally located on the left wall of the main chamber, in the center of the upper section. It depicts the scene from the Abhiniskramana Sutra of Mara’s attempt to dissuade Prince Siddhartha from the path to enlightenment by sending his daughters to seduce the prince as he meditated beneath the Bodhi tree. When this ploy failed, Mara sent his armies to try to frighten Siddhartha into submission. When this also failed, Mara was defeated and Siddhartha became Sakyamuni Buddha.
In the mural, an ascetic Siddhartha is seated in full lotus position on a diamond throne. A large aureole surrounds him above which is a canopy-like rendition of the Bodhi tree. Mara’s three daughters, depicted on the left, are youthful. One is nude and reaches out to Siddhartha, but the prince remains unmoved. After he teaches them the law of impermanence, they appear as old women on the right.