Kurkihar: Life of the Buddha - Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven

INDIA, Bihar, Kurkihar; Pala period

Kurkihar is a region where numerous metal and stone Buddha sculptures dating to the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century) were discovered. This particular relief was among those found there and may have belonged to a set of reliefs depicting the eight major episodes of the Buddha’s life. It shows the Buddha returning from Trayastrimsa Heaven, where he taught the Dharma to Queen Maya, his deceased mother.
Sakyamuni Buddha’s right hand, with a Dharma wheel in the center, is in varada (wish-granting) mudra, while the left grasps a fold of the monastic robe. A four-headed Brahma stands to the left carrying a whisk and vase. Sakra is on the other side holding a parasol over the Buddha.
The mandorla is ogival with an outer rim decorated in diamond-shaped floral patterns. At the apex are apsaras making offerings to the Buddha.