Wat Phra Chetuphon Reclining Buddha Hall: Reclining Buddha - Soles

THAILAND, Bangkok; Bangkok period

The decorations on the soles of the Reclining Buddha’s feet stand out and shimmer due to the mother-of-pearl inlay. The toes are of equal length and are simply given triple whorls in place of the swastika symbols found in Indian depictions. A multitude of illustrated compartments with a Dharma wheel at the center of the sole covers the rest of the foot. The Dharma wheel has no spokes and consists of a series of radiating circles with patterned interiors. The compartments near the toes contain niches with Buddhas sitting within. There are also divinities and mythical creatures. More compartments closer to the heel contain one hundred and eight auspicious symbols. Mount Sumeru is pictured at the sole, surmounted by heavenly palaces and surround by flowers and figures among rocks.