The Eight Great Events of Buddha life (Ashtamahapratiharya)

Description

In Buddhist art, the eight great miracles (ashtamahapratiharya) is widely depicted as per the eight pilgrimage sites (attha maha-thanani) epitomizing the life of Buddha and his teachings. The stele from Nalanda depicts the various events associated with the birth, sermons, and miracles of Buddha. The three panels in the middle depict (from bottom to top) birth at Lumbini, attainment of enlightenment and the first sermon at Sarnath. On the sides are individual representations of Buddha alluding to miracle scenes. The stele is topped by the great demise (mahaparinirvana) of Buddha.