Studies in Indian Art c12.s7.9

c12.s7.9

The figure which was described as one of Faun-like appearance can be no other than that of Rishya Śriṅga whose story was a favourite subject with both the Brāhmanical and Buddhist writers. Hiuen Tsang says that the place of the sage Ekaśṛiṅga was situated somewhere near Peshawar in the Gandhāra territory. "Going North-West from the stone-cell above 100 li or so (from Poluśa, the modern town of Pali near Peshawar), we cross a small hill and come to a large mountain. To the south of the mountain is a Saṅghārāma, with a few priests as occupants, who study the Great Vehicle. By the side of it is a Stūpa, built by Aśoka Rāja. This is the place which in olden time was occupied by Ekaśṛiṅga Rishi. Deceived by a pleasure woman he lost his spiritual faculties. The woman, mounting his shoulders, returned to the city".¹ The Buddhist version of this legend is that Buddha was once born as Rishya Śriṅga and the maiden who allured him was Yaśodharā.