The Eight Great Events of Buddha (Ashtamahapratiharya)

Description

In Buddhist art, the eight great miracles (ashtamahapratiharya) is widely depicted as per the eight pilgrimage sites (attha maha-thanani) epitomizing the life of Buddha and his teachings. Buddha himself mentioned the venerable rank of these hallowed venues to his disciple Ananda, which is recorded in the fifth chapter of the Mahaparinirvvana Sutra. It proclaims that a follower of Buddhism, should remember, visit and venerate these sacred sites. In Pala art, the life scenes are portrayed compactly, with a central figure surrounded by vignettes auspicious sites.