Mathura: Life of the Buddha - Bathing of Prince Siddhartha

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura

The sculpture was unearthed from Kankali Tila, Mathura. The birth story of Prince Siddhartha includes the incident of two naga kings bathing the baby by emitting warm and cold water from their mouths. This often replaces depictions of Brahma and Sakra assisting at the birth.
On this sandstone block, the prince is standing on a stone plinth, with the right hand raised and left fist at the waist. The naga kings on either side raise bowls to their mouths to catch the streams of water. Their human heads are encircled by serpent heads to establish their identity. Above the prince there are musical instruments that include a flute, conch shell, zither, and two types of drum, symbolizing the heavenly celebration of the prince’s birth.