Mogao Cave 9: Battle Between Sariputra and Raudraksa

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural from the Late Tang period (846–907) is located on the south wall of the main chamber. It is based on the “Chapter on Sudatta Donating Jetavana Monastery” in the Sutra of the Wise and the Foolish Sariputra defended the Buddhist sangha against the non-Buddhist representative Raudraksa. After Sariputra’s victory, the sangha was allowed to build the Jetavana Monastery within the beautiful garden of Prince Jeta.
In the illustration, Sariputra is on the left and Raudraksa is on the right, while King Prasenajit sits in the center observing the battle. The main focus of the illustration is Sariputra’s transformation into a cyclone, by which he uproots Raudraksa who has manifested as a large tree. Interspersed throughout the mural are creatures representing the stages of their battle, including a dragon, golden-winged bird, lion, buffalo, and elephant, as well as images of warriors and evil spirits. A landscape of mountains and water is painted in the background. Sariputra’s expression is one of calm and composure, while on Raudraksa’s side, things are blown into disarray and Raudraksa appears disheveled. Apart from slight damage on the lower portion, the mural is well preserved.