Letputkan Temple: Life of the Buddha - Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven

MYANMAR, Mandalay, Bagan

Situated on the right side of the south wall of Letputkan Temple, this painting depicts the Buddha returning from Trayastrimsa Heaven after spending three months there teaching the Dharma to his mother, Queen Maya. Accompanied by heavenly beings, the Buddha walks down a staircase. He wears a red monastic robe, and has a red nimbus. Sakra, standing below the Buddha, wears a golden crown and holds a round alms bowl. Behind the Buddha, the three-headed Brahma raises a parasol. Other heavenly beings hold musical instruments or auspicious objects. Gold vine patterns are painted between the figures.