Wat Thong Thamachat: Life of the Buddha - Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven

THAILAND, Bangkok; Bangkok period

Painted in Wat Thong Thamachat during the rule of King Rama III (reigned 1824–1851), this mural is divided into two distinct scenes joined by the staircase in the center. In the upper register, the Buddha, sitting on a golden throne, teaches the Dharma in Trayastrimsa Heaven. Brahma and Sakra sit beside him, joining their palms in reverence. Groups of heavenly beings wearing golden headdresses and ornaments kneel beside them, looking towards the Buddha. Below, the Buddha descends back to the human world on a staircase of gold, silver, and crystal. Brahma emerges from a group of heavenly beings kneeling on the right to hold a canopy above the Buddha’s head. Sakra is on the left, holding up an offering. At the bottom of the staircase, a king, devotees, and disciples in the human realm give a devout welcome.