Peshawar: Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana

PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar

This scene of the Buddha’s passing into parinirvana takes place between the twin sala trees bordering the relief. The Buddha lies on his right side on a bed with ornately carved legs. His right hand is raised to support the head, which is surrounded by a nimbus. Vajradhara, identified by the rudimentary vajra in his left hand, stands at the head of the bed with the right arm raised in emotion. Behind the bed stand four turbaned Malla clansmen. One raises both arms in lamentation, while the others appear to be discussing the funeral arrangements. Mahakasyapa stands at the foot of the bed, having just been informed of the Buddha’s passing by the naked follower of another spiritual way. The small figure seated in meditation against the bed is Subhadra, the Buddha’s last disciple.