Buddhaisawan Chapel: Life of the Buddha - Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings

THAILAND, Bangkok; Bangkok period

Painted on the bottom left section of the west wall, this mural from the Buddhaisawan Chapel depicts the eight kings preparing to go to war over the Buddha’s relics. After the mediation of the brahmin Drona, the relics were shared equally among the eight kings, who then returned to their respective countries and constructed stupas for the enshrinement of the relics.
A towering royal palace protected by a blue wall is painted in the center. Along the wall, guards prepare to defend the palace from the armies of the seven countries that prepare to attack. On the right, Drona is shown standing on the wall. He attempts to dissuade an elephant-riding king from charging towards the palace. On the left within the royal palace, Drona is shown again, sitting beside the kings. A gold cup containing the relics is placed before him. The black Sakra flies above Drona’s head and snatches the Buddha’s tooth relic that Drona has attempted to hide in his topknot. This depiction is based on the Thai version of story in which Sakra takes the relic and brings it back to Trayastrimsa Heaven for enshrinement using supernatural powers.
The palace architecture is one of the focal points of the painting, reflecting the prominent position of symbols of monarchical power in traditional Thai iconography. The layered roofs of the palace and the three golden spires in the center are especially magnificent.