The Murals of Baiya Monastery

Remaining section of murals in anteroom to temple

This is a view of what remains of the murals in the anteroom. It is difficult to reconstitute the scene here, given that so little remains visible. However, it is obvious that a large figure dressed in ornate military or battle attire is at the center of this image. A large parasol lies before him and another, much smaller, figure is also visible, suggesting perhaps a procession of some sort. This figure might represent one of the Seven Jewels of Royal Power (Tib. Rgyal-srid rin-chen sna-bdun), the Precious General (Tib. Dmag-dpon rin-po-che), symbol of victory over obstacles. The figure might also represent a lokapāla, or guardian king, such as Virūdhaka (Tib. Hphag skyes-po), guardian associated with the south. These are merely conjectures based on the attire, form, and location of the figure.