[33]I think it permitted to show the relation there is between this representation, and the placing of the five Dhyâni-Buddhas we see on the highest (round) terraces, opposite to the zenith, and upon the encircling walls opposite to the four zones of heaven.
[34]Dr. Leemans thought he saw in this crescent of the moon the tips of a headkerchief. Had he seen the sculptures himself he would not have been mistaken in such a way. Siddhârta wears a crown (makuta), and this doesn’t match the headkerchief, neither does the Javanese kuluq or ceremonial cap. Such crescents of the moon are also weared by Hâritî’s and Kuvera’s children on the two sculptures before the entrance of tyanḍi Mĕndut, but without headkerchiefs.
Kern says that Buddha means both the awaking of the sun and of the moon and that the two celestial bodies also refer to Buddha on the other sculptures of the Båråbudur. Had the Dutch Government sent Leemans to Java, before he wrote his work, he should not have taken a sénté-leaf (Alocasia macrorrhiza Schott, an Aroïdee consequently) for a banana-leaf (Musa L.,) but he should then have seen how even this leaf is still used by the Javanese as a provisional umbrella, and he should have understood why in former times it was carried as ampilan after the saints and princes, just as the cow’s hair fly-fan. (tjemara).
[35]Occasionally called Gopa. Some people say these are the names of two women, and as the 45th sculpture (107 W. L.) represents him enjoying his domestic happiness the schemer should then have thought of two women. Ceylon writers know to tell us that 1000 men could not bend this bow, and that the blow of its string was heard at a distance of 7000 miles. This bowshot which enabled him to gain his bride’s hand has been also mentioned in other legends—it was once awarded to Râma in the Ramâyâna, and to Arjuna in the Mahâbhârata. In Homeros’ Odyssea Penelope’s lovers vainly try to do the same with Odysseus’ bow upon which all were convinced by his mastershot, and killed.
[36]The evil spirit had no authority over the fifth part of the world, the zenith.
[37]According to other people muni means an anchoret or ascetic.
[38]Leemans calls him Arala Kalama.
[39]In Leeman’s work Rudra.
[40]The Javanese would now say griyå råjå, that is, royal house.
[41]Who these 5 apostles were in former lives another series of sculptures on the front wall of this gallery will teach us.