This painting by Sridhar Nilkanth portrays the moment when the Buddha, after attaining enlightenment, encounters the five ascetics who were once his companions. The Buddha, depicted in a serene and radiant blue, sits in meditation, radiating an aura of peace and wisdom. The five ascetics, who had previously renounced worldly pleasures, are shown in a state of contemplation, their faces etched with curiosity and anticipation. The painting captures the profound message of the Buddha's teachings, inviting viewers to reflect on the path to enlightenment and the importance of compassion and understanding.