The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c16.s2.33

v2.c16.s2.33

and make one forget the inner cruel nature of this Brāhman as shown in the story by his inhuman treatment of the young children of Viśvantara, who had given them to him as an act of charity.¹ Similarly, the grotesque features of the monsters of Māra’s army, who Satan-like wanted to turn the Buddha aside from the attainment of enlightenment, change the serious religious effect of the scene and add to it an incongruously comic element. For example, who will not be diverted by the red monster with a large head and small body, who is glaring fiercely and opening his mouth with his little fingers as if to frighten the Buddha? A white owl is perched on the head of this monster: in India the owl is considered to be the harbinger of ill fortune.