Buddha's Descent from the Trayastrimsa Heaven

Description

This relief depicts the Buddha's descent from the Trayastrimsa or Tushita Heaven- one of his Eight Great Miracles (astamahapratiharya), following his miracle at Shravasti. This episode follows the Buddha's ascent to the heaven of the thirty-three gods (trayastrimsa) to preach dhamma to his mother, after which he descended back to Earth at Sankashya, accompanied by the gods Indra and Brahma. This stela depicts the same- with the central figure of the Buddha flanked by Indra and Brahma on either side, with celestials (vidyadharas) raised adjacent to the Buddha's canopy. He is also depicted stood on a higher lotus pedestal as compared to the other deities, indicating his significance as a spiritual figure. One also finds inscribed text on the sides.