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Kizil Cave 171: Life of the Buddha - Mahanama’s Succession to the Throne
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Kizil Cave 171: Life of the Buddha - Mahanama’s Succession to the Throne
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 4th–5th century
This painting is located on the left wall of the main chamber. Four years after Sakyamuni Buddha attained full enlightenment, he went back to his birthplace to teach the Dharma to his father, King Suddhodana, and afterwards converted his stepbrother Nanda, who became a monk. Therefore, King Suddhodana chose Mahanama to succeed to the throne.
This painting illustrates the scene where King Suddhodana coronates Mahanama. Suddhodana is depicted on the left side standing cross-ankled, while on the right kneels Mahanama, who receives the crown from the king. Though this painting is severely damaged, the content can still be identified. |
