Mueang Fa Daed Song Yang: Sakra Offering Grass

THAILAND, Kalasin

This relief is carved on a monastic boundary stone and depicts the “Chapter on Occurrences near the Bodhi Tree” from the Abhiniskramana Sutra. It shows Prince Siddhartha shortly before enlightenment when Sakra transformed himself into a child to offer Siddhartha some freshly cut grass.
Despite the fact that the prince has yet to attain Buddhahood, Siddhartha is depicted with a usnisa and elongated earlobes. The nimbus is simple apart from a rim of petal-like flames. The figure’s right hand is in vitarka (teaching) mudra while the left hand grasps the hem of the clothing. The figure’s splayed feet are disproportionately large.
The boy to the left has an elaborate topknot and stands with face upturned and the bunch of grass held across the shoulder and bending under its own weight. Above it, the Bodhi tree is depicted, suggesting that the gift of grass should be spread under it so the prince can seek enlightenment.