The above picture is from Thailand and not of Shravan Kumar. It is of a Bodhisattva named Shyam/Shanji who serves his blind parents who live on the foothills of the Himalayas, taking them on a tour. The story of Shravan and Shyam is similar. Or if it is said that it is from the same source then it will not be wrong. Shyam also gets an arrow when he goes near the lake to fill water in the pot. King Brahmdutt of Banaras considers him to be a victim and makes a difference. Then realizing the mistake, he repentes and he takes her to his parents. There is a variation in the story here. Pleased with Shyam’s karma, Indra not only heals him well but also heals the eyes of his parents. This story of Shyam/Sham Jatak is spread across the country with different forms and names. Shyam is popularly known as Shanji in China. It is believed that this story was given priority in response to the pressure and response of Neo-Confucianism. The Neo-Confucianist states gave a high position to power, while the Buddhists were on renunciation and nirvana. The Buddhists were accused of disturbing the social order. This was also given as one of the reasons behind the state sponsored repression of Buddhists in China.

Perhaps this is the reason why Shanji was popularized there because he was only strengthening the family system by showing devotion to his parents. Xuan Chang (Hansang) sees Shanji in the image of Gandhar. This story of Shyam Jataka is found engraved in the arch of Sanchi and the Caves of Ajanta.