Wat Bakong Main Hall: Life of the Buddha - Miracle at Sravasti

CAMBODIA, Siem Reap

The main hall of Wat Bakong was built in 1939. In the 1940s the main hall was extended to include a portico and veranda. The main hall was decorated with murals depicting the stories from the Life of the Buddha, while the portico and veranda show illustrations of the Jataka tales, all painted during the 1950’s.
This scene illustrates the Miracle at Sravasti. After a group of brahmins challenged the Buddha to a duel of supernatural powers, a stage was built for the contest. Unexpectedly the stage collapsed and brahmins fell to the ground. In the center of the mural, the pavilion-like stage is shown collapsing unexpectedly. Two figures tumble from the roof. Others lie on the ground or flee in panic. Six monks in orange robes stand on the sides, looking up in amazement. Heavenly beings look down from the clouds on the upper left. The figures are depicted with varying expressions, and the pragmatic skills adopted in the mural show apparent Western-style influences.