83. The erection of the stupa at Khara

The sacred edifice rises in the centre of the relief; it is under a wide penthouse supported by columns, with a bell hanging on each side of it. The stupa is of the usual round shape with a band of garlands round the middle, it rests on a lotuscushion and that on a pedestal withprojections at the four corners. A pinnacle with an umbrella crowns the monument; want of space has obliged the umbrella to be placed in front of the penthouse instead of underneath. Flowers are falling from the sky; two columns of incense-smoke rise on each side of the pedestal. On the right stands a bearded man representing the citizens of Khara, with a pointed headdress but otherwise plainly-dressed; a vase of lotuses is seen on the ground in front of him and he bears in his hands a dish of flowers. Other citizens are kneeling and sitting behind him, the front one making a sembah, the others carrying bowls and a dish of flowers. Four standards are fixed up in the background by way of decoration; two with a shell and two with a clasp-ornament at the top. On the other side of the stupa as pendant to the old man, is a female figure with an incense burner and fan in her hand; this is of course the guardian-godess of Roruka who was presented with the sacred relic for which the stupa was built. Her attendants are kneeling behind her with an offering of a flower and a dish. On the extreme left is the music representing the yearly festival!), a couple of men who are beating oblong drums with sticks and one who plays the cymbals. The fourth lifts up a small drum that is only partly visible. Neither Mahakatyayana nor his companion Yamaha are present, for according to the tale the monk gives his bowl as a farewell gift, and after that follows the erection of the stupa.