Stupa architecture Sanchi Stupa Sarnath Stupas PDF

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Summary

Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, built the Great Stupa (also known as Stupa No. 1) in the 3rd century BCE and it is believed to contain the ashes of the Buddha. During the second century BCE, the simple structure was damaged. After a series of repairs and additions, it finally took shape in the first ce...

Description

Stupa architecture: Sanchi Stupa, Sarnath Stupas Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, built the Great Stupa (also known as Stupa No. 1) in the 3rd century BCE and it is believed to contain the ashes of the Buddha. During the second century BCE, the simple structure was damaged. After a series of repairs and additions, it finally took shape in the first century BCE. The building is 120 feet (37 metres) wide and 54 feet (17 metres) high..

A relic chamber is hidden deep within a hemispherical dome (anda) that forms the heart of the complex. The earth is enclosed by the dome of heaven, which is one of the many meanings of the dome. To represent the world's tallest peak, the railing (harmika) is squared off at the top. Three umbrella structures (chattra) support the central pillar (yashti), which is said to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the dharma (doctrine), and the sangha (community) (community). To circumambulate the dome, pilgrims must walk clockwise around a circular terrace (medhi) that is enclosed by a railing. It is surrounded by a low wall (vedika) punctured at the four corners by toranas. The entire structure is encased by this low wall (ceremonial gateways). The Great Stupa's toranas represent the pinnacle of Sanchi sculpture. Each gateway is made up of two squared posts topped by capitals of sculptured animals or dwarfs, surmounted by three architraves. In relief sculpture, scenes from the Buddha's life and previous lives are depicted, as are scenes from early

Buddhist artefacts, and auspicious symbols. Donors' names are also listed, with the ivory workers of Vidisha being one of the most notable. Sanchi was abandoned around the 12th century CE, and its monuments began to decay. General Henry Taylor of the British army discovered the site in 1818 and wrote a report on what he found. Sir John Hubert Marshall, director general of the Indian Archaeological Survey, oversaw the restoration project, which began in 1881 and was completed in 1919. Sanchi's other Buddhist monuments, including the Great Stupa, received UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1989....