Kizil Cave 8: Life of the Buddha - Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Originally located on the front wall of the rear corridor, this mural depicts scenes from the Mulasarvastivada Vinaya-Vastu, wherein, after the Buddha’s Parinirvana, the eight nations dispatched troops to obtain his relics. At that time, a brahmin acted as mediator and divided the relics into eight portions. After they obtained the relics, the eight kings returned to their respective kingdoms and built stupas for making offerings.
The mural can be divided into upper and lower registers. The upper register is surrounded by city walls. A brahmin is seated cross-legged above the city, holding a reliquary. He is flanked on two sides by heavenly beings, one carrying a basket and scattering flowers as offerings, while the other stands with palms joined. The kings of the eight nations are depicted in the background. At the city gate in the lower section there are six warriors, three on each side, dressed in martial attire and riding horses.