Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v4.c16.s19.5

v4.c16.s19.5

The subject is painted at the top of the fresco, and although the portion near the ceiling has become very dark, the group of *devīs* is fairly clear; and the figures of the Buddha and his attendants and of the heavenly beings floating in the space above him, and of the *devas* who have assembled on the right side to his discourse, can also be made out. The representation of the Buddha is conventional; he is shown wearing a robe, and seated on a throne ornamented with chased metal-work or wood-carving. There are two attendants beside his throne, the Bodhisattvas Padmapāṇi and Vajrapāṇi, who can be identified by their respective symbols. Above the throne on the right side an *arhat* or some other heavenly being is floating in space, while on the corresponding side a smaller celestial being (? *gaṇa*) may be noticed. In front of the throne on the left is a *bhikshu* who has knelt down in the act of adoration. On the right side is a small figure with a broad belt round his waist who has prostrated himself to show his deep reverence for the Great Being.