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Ajanta Cave 26: Life of the Buddha - Defeat of Mara
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Ajanta Cave 26: Life of the Buddha - Defeat of Mara
INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad; circa mid-to-late 5th century; Stone
This relief carving is located on the left wall of the main hall. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position and his right hand forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra, which is different than the usual bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra for this scene. His head is encircled by a nimbus and above are the leaves of the Bodhi tree.
Mara and his troops surround the Buddha. The daughters of Mara are depicted below, performing a seductive dance. Mara, dressed in royal attire, is illustrated four times in the image. On both sides of the Buddha, he is shown riding an elephant. On the lower left, Mara holds a bow and arrow, and on the lower right he appears dejected, sitting on the ground in defeat. |
