Nagarjunakonda: Life of the Buddha

INDIA, Andhra Pradesh

The three scenes on this relief depict events leading to the Buddha’s enlightenment. The damaged area at the bottom consists of two scenes. The shepherdess Sujata offering the former ascetic a bowl of milk rice is shown on the right. On the left, people bringing offerings are observed by two curious cows. The damaged scene on the left may depict Siddhartha walking to the Nairanjana River and throwing in a bowl that is recovered by the naga king and taken to his palace.
The central register depicts Siddhartha sitting unmoved under the Bodhi tree with his hand raised in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. On the left, Mara’s army of demons surrounds the seated figure and his daughters dance seductively on either side. Mara himself rides an elephant to battle, while on the right, another elephant carries respectful deities.
The upper register illustrates more heavenly beings paying respect to the enthroned Buddha following his enlightenment. All of the figures wear royal turbans and necklaces, while Brahma and Sakra preside at the top with whisks resting over their shoulders.