Question

This is an excerpt from the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, part of the Sutta Pitaka: As the Buddha lay dying, Ananda asked him: “What are we to do, Lord, with the remains of the Tathagata (another name for the Buddha)?” The Buddha replied: “Hinder not yourselves, Ananda, by honouring the remains of the Tathagata. Be zealous, be intent on your own good.” But when pressed further, the Buddha said: “At the four crossroads they should erect a thupa (Pali for stupa) to the Tathagata. And whosoever shall there place garlands or perfume … or make a salutation there, or become in its presence calm of heart, that shall long be to them for a profit and joy.”

Look at the figure below and see whether you can identify some of these practices.

Answer 1

By analysing the sculptural relief, we can clearly identify several devotional practices that match the instructions given by the Buddha in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta:

• Offering Garlands: Devotees are visually depicted draping long, decorative floral garlands around the hemispherical dome (anda) of the stupa.
• Making Salutations: Worshippers are carved kneeling and bowing with folded hands (anjali mudra) at the base of the structure to show deep reverence.
• Bringing Perfumes and Offerings: Attendants are shown carrying ritual trays and vessels containing sacred offerings toward the monument.
• Circumambulation: The arrangement of the figures shows a processional movement around the sacred pathways enclosed by the stone railings.