Nandamannya Temple: Life of the Buddha - Birth of Prince Siddhartha

MYANMAR, Mandalay, Bagan; Bagan Empire (circa 849–1287)

Painted on the north wall of Nandamannya Temple, this is a depiction of Queen Maya giving birth to Prince Siddhartha beneath an asoka tree. The queen stands sinuously in the center of the image, supported by the smaller figure of her sister Mahaprajapati. They both have nimbuses that are surrounded by the thick foliage of the asoka tree. The queen’s raised right hand grasps a branch, and the small figure of Prince Siddhartha emerges from the right side of her body. Her feet point outwards, typical of Bagan art, whereas in India she is often portrayed with her legs crossed. On the left beside the queen, the newborn prince stands on the ground, preparing to take seven steps and declare that this is his last birth. In the lower register, four heavenly beings kneel and make offerings to the Buddha.