Cleveland Museum of Art

Veneration of the Buddha as a Fiery Pillar

Date

200s CE

Medium

limestone

Culture

Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, Nagarjunakonda

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

At the bottom of this carved panel is the depiction of a pillar incised with cross-hatching and surrounded by a halo of flames. A stylized lotus and a pointed trident symbol marking good fortune and divinity crown the pillar. This image indicates the presence of the Buddha and underscores his superhuman qualities, including radiance and power to work magic. Two male figures hold fly whisks of honor on either side. Above is a golden pillar covered with jewels that the Buddha miraculously generated. Swirling leaves sprout from grooved disks at regular intervals, and celestial beings fly and dance in praise. The acanthus leaves sprouting from the pillar echo Greco-Roman motifs.

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