Kizil Cave 98: Life of the Buddha - Defeat of Mara and Enlightenment

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is located above the entrance on the front wall of the main chamber. According to the Abhiniskramana Sutra, Mara attempted to prevent Sakyamuni from obtaining Buddhahood, first by sending his daughters to seduce him, and later by unleashing an army of demons to frighten him into submission. Sakyamuni was unmoved by both attempts and, having defeated Mara, attained enlightenment.
This mural illustrates the scene where Mara unleashes his troops. Sakyamuni wears a monastic robe and his right hand forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. He is seated in full lotus position on a rectangular throne. A heavenly being, on the upper left, stands with palms joined and wears a headdress and a stole. Mara’s daughters who try to seduce Sakyamuni are depicted to the right. The rest of the surrounding characters are Mara’s troops. They all appear fierce and express different gestures; some raise swords while others draw bows or wield daggers. At the bottom is Prthivi, the Earth Goddess, emerging from the ground to witness Sakyamuni’s enlightenment. Next to the goddess, Mara kneels in surrender on the ground.