Just before the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, realized enlightenment, the demon Mara attacked him with armies of monsters to frighten him and claimed the seat under the Bodhi tree. The about-to-be-Buddha did not move. Then Mara claimed his spiritual accomplishments were greater than Siddhartha's and challenged: 'who will speak for you?' Mara's soldiers cried 'I am his witness!' Siddhartha reached out his right hand to touch the earth, and the earth itself roared, 'I bear you witness!' Mara disappeared. This mudra symbolizes calling the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite Mara's temptations.