Mahaparinirvana

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Time Period
C. 2nd Century CE, Kushana, Gandhara

Location found
Loriyan Tangai (North-West region of Undivided India)

Dimensions
H: 41.3, W: 8, L: 70 cm

Material
Schist

Number assigned
Accession No.: 5147
Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal

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This relief panel illustrates the Mahāparinirvāṇa, depicting the Buddha’s passing at Kuśinagara – his liberation from saṃsāra. The Buddha reclines serenely on a couch, surrounded by grieving disciples—Ānanda stands at his feet, while Mahākāśyapa, Subhadra, and Vajrapāṇi mourn nearby. Vajrapāṇi, shown holding the vajra, appears as the devoted protector. The panel embodies early Buddhist funerary traditions, reflecting the Indian origin of such customs.

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