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Ajanta Cave 2: Inner Court of Tusita Heaven
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Ajanta Cave 2: Inner Court of Tusita Heaven
INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad; circa mid-to-late 5th century
The mural is located on the left wall within the main hall. It is 94 cm high by 130 cm wide. According to the sutras, the Tusita Heaven is where future Buddhas reside while awaiting their next birth. Before Sakyamuni achieved Buddhahood, he descended to the earth from this heaven as a Bodhisattva.
The Bodhisattva in the center is seated on a throne with legs pendent. The figure forms the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra and wears a crown and various types of jewelry. Heavenly beings and attendants, both seated and standing, surround the Bodhisattva and listen attentively to the teachings. Although some portions of the mural have fallen away, features such as facial expressions and ornamentation are still visible. |
