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Bharhut: Life of the Buddha - Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven
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Bharhut: Life of the Buddha - Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven
INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Bharhut; circa early 1st century BCE; Red sandstone; H: 60 cm; Indian Museum, Kolkata, India
The carving was on a railing post at Bharhut Stupa. A triple staircase is shown in the center where the Buddha descends. He has just returned from Trayastrimsa Heaven after teaching the Dharma to his mother. The footprints at the top and bottom steps of the central flight of stairs signify the route the Buddha took, and a fenced Bodhi tree on the left also represents the Buddha. Rows of figures, with palms joined, gather to welcome the Buddha after his three-month absence. Apsaras fly overhead, one of them whistling in admiration. |
