In the study of Buddhist sculpture, art historians found it essential to delve into the hagiographies of the Buddha. These biographical accounts provided valuable insights into the life and teachings of the Buddha. According to these hagiographies, the Buddha attained enlightenment during his meditation beneath a tree.

Interestingly, in early Buddhist sculptures, the representation of the Buddha did not take a conventional human form. Rather, sculptors opted to depict his presence through various symbolic elements and motifs. These symbols conveyed the essence of the Buddha's enlightenment and teachings, adding a unique and profound dimension to the artistry of the sculptures.

In Buddhist art, who was a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit?

Shalabhanjika

However, after examining other literary traditions, they realized that it could be a representation of what is described in Sanskrit as a shalabhanjika. According to popular belief, this was a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit. It is likely that this was regarded as an auspicious symbol and integrated into the decoration of the stupa. The shalabhanjika motif suggests that many people who turned to Buddhism enriched it with their own pre-Buddhist and even non-Buddhist beliefs, practices, and ideas.