Wat Koh Kaeo Suttharam Ordination Hall: Life of the Buddha - Seven Weeks After Enlightenment

THAILAND, Phetchaburi; Ayutthaya Kingdom

The mural on the south wall of the ordination hall of Wat Koh Kaeo Suttharam is divided into numerous different triangle or diamond-shaped sections by angled bands. In the upper register, heavenly beings are depicted in dynamic poses within inverted triangles with beige backgrounds. Stupas with elaborate bases fill the red triangles that rise from the lower register. Scenes of the Seven Weeks After Enlightenment, as well as a single image of two Bodhisattvas wearing golden headdresses, are painted in the lower registers of the diamond-shaped sections between the triangles.
The Buddha is always portrayed wearing a red monastic robe and sitting in full lotus position. In the scenes to the left of the two Bodhisattvas, the Buddha sits within a red niche and meditates in a temple. On the right, the Buddha is shown in a forest, sheltered by the Naga King. In the scene on the far right, the Four Heavenly Kings present alms bowls to the seated Buddha, who performs the miracle of transforming them into a single bowl.