Here is the eastern gateway interior, taken from the raised processional path (hence the distance above ground). Two stupas clearly are visible just below the top crossbeam. The three arches display the past Buddhas (top, represented by trees), the Buddha receiving worship after his enlightenment (middle), and the worship of his relics (bottom, symbolized by the stupa) .
Here's a closer look at the top torana (above). Buddhist scriptures name seven previous Buddhas, who are represented here as trees receiving worship and offerings (garlands) from worshippers. This image shows only five of the seven, since the other two were on the outside parts of the torana, which is outside the frame of this shot.
The middle torana (above) shows the Buddha being worshipped after his enlightenment by various non-human beings (who recognized his enlightened state). There are lions, buffalos, deer, birds, some funky sheep with human-looking faces, and on the left side, a six-headed serpent figure representing the Nagas, nature spirits who were minor protective deities (most often of water bodies). One of their frequent depictions is sitting behind the meditating Buddha, shading him from the sun by spreading their gigantic hoods.
The lowest torana arch (above) shows the departed Buddha's relics--represented by the stupa--being worshipped by elephants bringing flowers and garlands. Mitra (1965: 39) connects this image with an episode in the life of Ashoka, in which Ashoka had come to the stupa of Ramagrama intending to take away the relics which it contained, but he was stopped by the Naga deities who were the stupa's guardians.
Here's the rear view of the famous yakshi. One interesting feature is how her hair is portrayed with flowing tresses. It's also clear that she is clothed, which is less evident from the frontal view.
November 2005
This panel shows another time in which the Buddha displayed his powers to convert the Kashyapas (shown here as hermits wearing their hair in matted locks). In this case the Buddha took up residence in a fire-temple at Uruvela that was inhabited by a poisonous snake (the snake is visible in center, with the fire down below). He tamed the snake with a command, which showed its submission by crawling into his begging bowl (Mitra 1985: 35).
November 2005
The panel (just below the story of the serpent king) alludes to an event just after that--that after the Buddha vanquished the serpent, the ascetics tried to perform a fire-sacrifice at Uruvela, but failed because without the Buddha's permission wood could not be split nor fire kindled (Mitra 1965: 36).
November 2005
This charming little panel shows the traditional account of the Buddha's conception, in which a white elephant (at top right) appeared to Queen Maya in a dream; Buddha was conceived when the elephant tapped the queen's abdomen with a lotus carried in its trunk. November 2005
