<div class="description">
This figure would have been one of two flanking a king, the Buddha, or other royal or holy figure. The relaxed stance indicates that he is an attendant, rather than a central icon. Early depictions of the Buddha in India frequently have images of <em>chauri</em>-bearers on either side. They are identifiable as nature divinities called <em>yakshas</em> during this period, but in later periods the Buddha's attendants can be recognized as specific bodhisattvas, who are beings on the path to enlightenment.</div>
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