Wat Bang Yikhan Ordination Hall: Vidhurapandita Jataka

THAILAND, Bangkok; Bangkok period

Painted in the ordination hall of Wat Bang Yikhan, this mural is based on the Vidhurapandita Jataka, Pali Jataka No. 545. In one of his past lives, the Buddha was the wise minister Vidhurapandita, an adviser to King Dhananjaya. Vidhurapandita awed the Naga King Varuna with his wisdom, but the Naga Queen became jealous and demanded his heart. The yaksa, Purnaka, who wished to marry the daughter of the Naga King, traveled to the court of King Dhanajaya, won Vidhurapandita in a dice game, and set off towards the naga kingdom, planning to kill the minister along the way. However, all his attempts were thwarted, and he came to realize that Vidhurapandita was both wise and virtuous.
In this mural, Purnaka pushes Vidhurapandita into a ravine in the mountains. Vidhurapandita falls through the air gracefully, appearing to be unconcerned. He looks back towards the green Purnaka, who stands on the cliff on the left, partially obscured by damage. The red cliffs contrast sharply with the light-colored background, highlighting the dramatic nature of the mural.