The Origin of the Unisha
There is an explanation on how the Unisha of the Buddha Sakyamuni came about. It was said that in one of Sakyamuni’s many past lives when he was an ordinary human being, he met Buddha Dipamkara. He was in awe of the magnificent sight and spontaneous presence of Buddha Dipamkara that he automatically lifted one leg, held up both arms above his head and placed a lamp on top of his head. He maintained at this posture for seven days and nights. It was believed that this deep reverence towards the Buddha (and hence the Truth as taught by the Buddha) planted a virtuous cause in him such that, at the moment of his awakening in the present life as Prince Gautama, where all the conditions are in place, the effect was a unisha that arose on his head. It is also common to see a flame above the unisha in images of Southern Asia, signifying the lamp that the man placed on his head. It is also believed that Buddha Dipamkara empowered and predicted this man to be next enlightened being, named Buddha Sakyamuni.