Panel from a Portable Shrine: The Descent of the Buddha from Trayastrimsha Heaven
India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir),
This diminutive panel depicts the Buddha’s descent from Trayastrimsha heaven, where he visited to preach the Buddhist gospel (dharma) to his mother, who had died soon after his birth. The three steps below his feet indicate the ladder upon which he descended. This miracle was widely depicted in the early Buddhist world. Here, umbrella and flywhisk bearers attend the Buddha, while airborne celebrants present garlands.
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