Indra's visit to Indrasala cave

According to Buddhist legends in the course of his journeys in the Magadha country, the Buddha lived sometime in the Indrasala Cave on Ediyaka hill near Rajagriha, where Sakra, the king of the heaven came to see him. He was accompanied by the Gandharva Panchasikha. At that time the hill-top shone and looked as if it was all ablaze. Finding the Buddha deeply absorbed in meditation he asked Panchasikha to approach him and propitiate him with music. The divine musician picked up his lyre and began to play on it. He sang a hymn in praise of the Buddha and finally announced the arrival of Sakra. After they had met and exchanged greetings, Sakra placed a few problems of philosophical import before the Buddha, solutions of which were readily furnished. He then returned in grateful satisfaction after having duly adored the Buddha.In this panel the Buddha is shown as seated inside the cave and haloed Sakra is shown approaching him with hands joined in adoration. His attendant, Panchasikha is seen announcing his presence. Two other defaced figures appear behind Sakra.