The great Buddhist stupas of Sanchi

by Prof. Purnima Velamuri

Sanchi, in Madhya Pradesh, is world famous for the ruins of stupas, temples and monasteries. It is the largest and oldest Buddhist site in India.

The stupa was originally a relic-burial mound, but later became a purely symbolic structure. In the beginning, stupas were built over the relics of the Buddha. Later, Emperor Asoka built over 84,000 stupas.

A stupa at Sanchi complex

Sanchi continued to flourish after the Mauryas, through several later dynasties. Magnificent gateways were constructed by successive rulers, images of the Buddha were added, and more monasteries and temples were built. With time many brick structures crumbled and were in disuse. The ruins of Sanchi lay forgotten, until they were discovered by an Englishman, General Tyler in 1818.

Great stupa

The best known, and most elaborate among the stupas at Sanchi is the Great Stupa. It is completely solid, with the smaller, older brick structure enclosed within.

Over the ancient brick formation an outer layer was added, faced entirely with stone. Right on top is the stone-tiered umbrella.

The stupa is part of the entire complex of structures, mostly stupas, built between the 3rd century BC and the 12th century AD.

The stupa evolved from being a structure built over the relics of the Buddha and his followers, to a symbol of the Buddha himself. It became a symbol of his final release from the cycle of birth and rebirth.The Great Stupa, like other stupas is a hemispherical dome. Its hemispherical shape represents the 'world egg'.

Stupas commonly rest on a square pedestal, and are carefully aligned with the four cardinal points of the compass. The stupa has a three tiered umbrella or parasol on top.

The so called 'Parasols' set one above the other, along the shaft emerging from its uppermost region, represent a heavenly hierarchy.

The hillside at Sanchi is scattered with many stupas both big and small. The Great Stupa of Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India. It was commissioned by Emperor Asoka the Great in the 3rd century BC.

The Sanchi stupas are noteworthy for their gateways as these gateways or toranas as they are called are covered with explicit carving which depicts scenes from the life of the Buddha and his previous incarnation (Jatakas).

Facing the four cardinal directions are four gateways; they symbolise the encompassing of all humankind within the radius of the Buddha's philosophy. The four gateways constructed in 35 BC are the best form of Buddhist expression.

One could say that these are the unchallenged, unsurpassed artistic achievement of Buddhist are at Sanchi.

Asoka Pillar

Asoka Pillar is another noteworthy structure at Sanchi. It is one of the many pillars which are scattered in the area. The crown of the pillar is the famous four lions which stand back to back.

The figure was adopted as the national emblem of India.

The Asoka pillars are an excellent example of the Greco-Buddhist style and is known for the aesthetic proportions and exquisite structural balance.

It was accepted that the structure at Sanchi are the most organised construction which went into the engineering of temples in the medieval period.

The carvings here are done with the precision of jewellers. Sanchi is primarily a palace of stupas and pillars but the gorgeous gateways add grace to the place. It is the most evocative and attractive Buddhist site in India.

It is not known why this site was chosen as a religious centre.

It is not connected directly with the life of the Buddha in anyway.

The reason Sanchi remained active for more than ten centuries may have been because it was situated near Vidisha, which was a thriving trade centre. We are told that rich merchants and patrons from Vidisha sustained the religious life and building activity at Sanchi. We are also told that it was to Vidisha that the Mauryan Emperor's wife Devi belonged and that he had wished to honour the area by establishing an important Buddhist centre. It was her son Mahinda, who led the royal embassy to Sri Lanka and carried the message of the Buddha.

The Great Stupa on the hilltop at Sanchi has stood as a beacon of Buddhism since the 3rd century BC. In the 6th century BC Siddhartha Gautama later called the Buddha (the Enlightened One) preached the principal of the middle path.

A prince of the Sakya clan Siddhartha saddened by the suffering around him, renounced his princely legacy and embarked on a spiritual quest, practising penance and deep meditation. After he attained Nirvana (Enlightenment) he travelled to preach the tenets of Buddhism. A religion of compassion and practical wisdom, righteousness and prudence, he said, were the means to avoid misery.

Four Great Truths

He outlined the Four Great Truths: suffering exists; it is caused by desire; removal of desire brings release from misery; this is possible by following the middle or eightfold path.

After his Enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, The Buddha delivered his first discourse at Sarnath. Unfortunately, at the end of the 12th century AD Saranath was sacked by the invading Delhi Sultanate Turkish Muslims.

All of the ancient buildings and structures at Saranath were damaged, or destroyed by the turks.

The site was subsequently, plundered for building materials.

Sanchi escaped this mindless vandalism. The Sanchi stupas were build in homage to the Buddha by Emperor Asoka of the Mauryan dynasty. Numerous dynasties arose after Mauryas, and continued building temples, gateways and monasteries until 12th century AD. Sanchi Remains today as one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world.