Sakyamuni Buddha Performing the Miracle of Shravasti

The central Buddha is depicted in the earth-touching mudra (bhumisparsha mudra), seated on a large, multi-petaled lotus throne atop a rectangular dais. Behind him, a vibrant halo of swirling, multicolored rainbow bands frames his head and torso. Emanating from this halo are eight distinct, smaller seated Buddhas, each enclosed in an individual rainbow orb. Below the throne, numerous monks in saffron and red robes are arranged in a landscape with stylized trees, some with hands in prayer (anjali mudra), others holding bowls or ritual implements. The color palette is dominated by deep greens, intense vermilion, and gold accents.

This thangka depicts the 'Miracle of Shravasti' (also known as the Miracle of the Multiples), a significant event in Buddhist hagiography where the Buddha displayed his supernatural powers to overcome non-Buddhist rivals. It reflects the Tibetan Mahayana emphasis on the Buddha’s capacity for infinite manifestation and the pedagogical utility of miraculous displays in the sutra literature.