Life of the Buddha - Conversion of the Three Kasyapa Brothers

PAKISTAN

The subject of this relief is described in the “Chapter on the Three Kasyapa Brothers” of the Abhiniskramana Sutra. The story tells how the Buddha went to Uruvilva to visit the fire-worshipping Kasyapa brothers and eventually converted them after performing a number of miracles.
The eldest of the brothers, Uruvilva Kasyapa, is located in the center of the relief sitting inside a grass hut. Bearded and with coiled up hair, he is clad in a dhoti. The Buddha is shown standing and looking at the seated figure with hands held wide, while the Kasyapa starts to rise with the aid of his staff. A fire altar is between the two men. The incident illustrated is probably the moment when Kasyapa realizes that the Buddha is spiritually superior and asks to become his follower. Another disciple who looks exactly like Kasyapa, perhaps one of the brothers, watches with hand raised in wonder from behind the hut. The reason for emphasizing the beards and long hair is that the brothers and their disciples, who are described as “matted hair ascetics,” cut off this sign of their practice upon converting.
The frieze design is balanced by a figure walking towards the Buddha from the right, but the figure cannot be identified.