Descent of the Buddha

North Gate, Sanchi

From the top front panel of the right post. After the death of Buddha's mother, she was reborn in the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods, which Buddha then visited in order to preach the Dharma. The panel shows his return to earth following the visit. Buddha descends the central ladder in the company of Indra, Brahma, and other gods and sages. His triumphant progress is represented by aniconic symbols at the top and bottom of the ladder.