Wat Rajasittharam Ordination Hall: Life of the Buddha - Great Departure

THAILAND, Bangkok; Bangkok period

Painted in the ordination hall of Wat Rajasittharam, this mural depicts Prince Siddhartha leaving the palace at night to seek enlightenment, aided by heavenly beings. The prince rides on horseback in the center of the picture. He wears a golden headdress and holds a sword in his right hand. The loyal charioteer Chandaka follows behind him, holding the tail of the horse. Above Chandaka, Four-Armed Brahma is shown supporting a large golden cup and carrying a canopy. Sakra is on the right, accompanied by a heavenly being holding a banner. Below, the Four Heavenly Kings support the hooves of the horse, and a group of heavenly beings follow behind carrying poles with hanging canopies. Uniquely, Mara is depicted on the far right, brandishing a sword and flying towards the prince, attempting to stop him from starting his journey towards enlightenment. Floral motifs are evenly distributed on the dark blue background. Jagged red bands separate this scene from the image below.