Wat Suthat: Life of the Buddha - Miracle at Sravasti

THAILAND, Bangkok; Bangkok period

The Miracle at Sravasti took place after six brahmins challenged the Buddha to a contest of supernatural powers. In this mural in Wat Suthat, the Buddha uses his miraculous power to uproot a large tree and manifest as five separate figures within the branches. On the right, the wooden platform the six brahmins have built collapses, and they tumble to the ground. In the lower register, the Buddha is shown sitting in full lotus position on a throne. A group of monks on the left join their palms and lean towards the Buddha, and a royally dressed figure, presumably King Prasenajit of Sravasti, kneels on the right. The background is colored in dark tones. Gilding is applied to the clothing of the king and the stylized usnisas of the Buddhas.