Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c12.s3.t1.2

c12.s3.t1.2

The reliefs relating to Buddha's life show his birth (Jāti), enlightenment (Sambodhi), first sermon (Dharma-Chakra-pravartana) and death (Mahāparinirvāna). The representation of the Buddha's birth takes the form of a lotus or a bunch of lotuses coming out of a Pūrṇaghaṭa; in others the figure of Māyā is seen seated on a full blown lotus; in others Māyādevī is shown standing ready for birth. Foucher identifies the figure of Śrī-Lakshmī bathed by the two Nāgas (here in the form of two elephants) with Māyādevī. The Sambodhi is represented by a throne under a Pipal tree or by the tree alone, with worshippers bringing offerings in some scenes, or in more elaborate reliefs with Māra and his hosts of demons. The turning of the Whel-of-the-Law in the Deer Park of Vārāṇasī is shown by the symbol of the Wheel sometimes placed on a throne or on the top of a pillar, the Mrigadāva being shown by the presence of two deer. The symbol of Mahāparinirvāṇa is a Stūpa attended by worshippers. The Stūpas as well as trees are shown as emblems of the seven previous Buddhas in Sanchi art also as at Bharhut.