Venerable Moggallāna and Venerable Sāriputta: The Chief Disciples in Buddhist Art and Doctrine

This article explores the lives and religious significance of Venerable Moggallāna and Venerable Sāriputta, the two foremost disciples of the Buddha, who are revered as embodiments of miraculous power (iddhi) and wisdom (paññā) respectively. In Theravāda Buddhist art, especially in Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, they are frequently depicted standing or seated on the left and right sides of the Buddha image, symbolizing the balance between spiritual insight and supernatural abilities. The study is organized into six parts: the biography of Moggallāna, the biography of Sāriputta, their placement in front of Buddha images, their passing away and the artistic as well as doctrinal significance of their roles. The findings highlight that the two disciples were not merely prominent followers but foundational pillars in the preservation and propagation of the Dhamma, representing the harmonious turning of the “Wheel of the Teaching” alongside the Buddha.