Brahma and Sakra’s Request

PAKISTAN

The relief depicts the scene of Brahma and Sakra requesting Sakyamuni Buddha to teach the Dharma immediately after his enlightenment.
The absence of a nimbus around the head of the Buddha is unusual but he is depicted with a high usnisa, bulging eyes, and a drooping mustache. The figure’s upper body is covered with a stole over the left shoulder, while the lower body is covered in a long dhoti. The Buddha sits in full lotus position on a throne made of thick grass with hands in the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The lush Bodhi tree is spread above the figures. An ornate collar necklace representing the Buddha’s status as a crowned prince hangs on the branches. Sakra, who wears a turban and various pieces of jewelry, stands to the right. The bearded Brahma with his hair tied up in a topknot is on the other side of the Buddha. Both Brahma and Sakra face towards the Buddha with their palms joined in respect.