Mogao Cave 335: Battle Between Sariputra and Raudraksa

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This illustration covers both of the side walls within the back (west) wall niche and is from the Early Tang period (618–712). An image of Raudraksa seated amidst a group of followers is in the center of the south wall, and Sariputra is in the center of the north wall. The two figures face each other and sit on thrones with tents attached by four posts. Scenes depicting the various standoffs in the contest of magical powers surround the two figures.
Sariputra is depicted as a youthful monk seated in full lotus position. His hands form mudras and his face is serene. Three monks stand beside Sariputra and four others sit on the carpet below his throne. The Vajrapanibalin destroys a mountain in front of Sariputra, depicting the point in the battle wherein Raudraksa manifests as a mountain and is subdued by Sariputra, who manifests as Vajrapanibalin. Below this is the scene of Sariputra as a six-tusked white elephant emptying Raudraksa’s lake by drinking all the water. A man is mounted on the elephant and on each tusk is an apsara riding on auspicious clouds.
At the top of the south wall, Raudraksa cowers as a fierce wind threatens to destroy his tent. Raudraksa has a long beard and is seated with folded legs. His eyes are shut and he raises one arm over his head. The tent is blown askew and attendants at the sides look frantic as they cover their eyes from the strong wind. Ahead of Raudraksa, a human-headed garuda seizes a dragon in its sharp claws, and below this, a lion devours a bull and a tree is uprooted by a strong wind.