Parinirvāṇa Representations in the Art of Mathura

A Study Based on the Discovery of a Unique Parinirvāṇa Stele from the Varāha Temple of Mathura

Abstract

Mathurā has long been famous as a great centre of Buddhist art. Among the Buddhist art pieces, the number of representations of episodes from the Buddha’s life story is limited. Every new narrative representation adds an important dimension to the existing knowledge. A new parinirvāṇa relief was discovered in the Varāha Temple, Mathura.