This monumental double-sided architrave was probably from a gateway to a Stupa (reliquary of the Buddha). It is carved of mottled red sandstone and measures 11 feet across, 11.5 inches tall, and 9.5 inches in depth. One side of the architrave depicts a central Stupa surrounded by groups of Bodhisattvas and Monks at worship around the reliquary. They bear flowers and vessels as offerings to the relics of the Buddha. Two pair of Leogryphs facing each other encloses this vignette. The entire sculpture is bordered by large detailed Makaras, mythological beasts that are part fish and part crocodile usually associated with water and sacred rivers.

The reverse side has a central Buddha with his right arm raised in a blessing posture and a large mandorla (nimbus) behind his head. Flower-bearing Bodhisattvas and Monks, in a procession on either side, worship the Buddha. Another pair of seated Buddhas encloses this central scene. Each Buddha, seated on a raised throne, is in a blessing posture, flanked by umbrellas. His toga-like garments show the Greco-Roman influence of the Gandharan Empire on Kushan sculpture. The outer edges of the architrave bear once again the water elementals (Makaras) that are portrayed on the reverse. There are holes bored vertically through the center of the beam where supports that held up the architrave were attached to the upright columns that formed the gateway. For a complete gateway, please refer to the Stupa at Sanchi, which is an example of an intact monumental gateway dating 100 years earlier.

Please note: the photos representing the Stupa side indicate the truer color of the stone. The variation you see in color is due to different lighting conditions that existed when the separate sides were photographed.