Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is the most popular deity in the Buddhist pantheon and is worshipped in a wide array of forms. The Khasarpana, or "sky-gliding" form, is depicted in this Pala-period relief. The youthful deity assumes a relaxed, approachable posture (lalitasana) on a lotus throne, and can be identified by the position of his hands: the right in the gift-giving gesture (varadamudra), the left holding a lotus (padma). Particularly significant to this piece, the lotus flower is a common element in Hindu and Buddhist religious imagery and carries auspicious connotations of divinity, spiritual enlightenment, happiness, and beauty.

The bodhisattva is flanked by his female consorts: the two-armed figure to his right represents Tara; the four-armed figure with a stupa in her headdress is Bhirkuti. Tara, who represents the active form of compassion and is often linked to Avalokiteshvara, is one of the most popular deities in Esoteric Buddhism. Bhirkuti is also worshipped as a manifestation of compassion (although rarely as an independent deity) and is frequently associated with Avalokiteshvara. Buddhas of the five directions surround the bodhisattva's tall matted coiffure in which an image of the Buddha Amitabha appears, Avalokiteshvara's typical attribute. The figures on the base of the relief include a preta or "hungry ghost" named Suchimukha ("needle-nosed"), seated beneath Avalokiteshvara's outstretched right hand. This composition illustrates the belief that Avalokiteshvara feeds nectar to the hungry ghosts as a symbol of his infinite compassion for all human beings.

This relief can be dated to the late 11th or early 12th century by its rich carving, elaborate detail, and pointed top.