[shivani]

Sanchi Stupa and Bhim Vatika Caves, Bhopa, MP, India

[Ar.satish lohar]

At Sanchi Stupa, at Bharhut stupa as well, the circle is used both in elevation, as at the anda at Sanchi, as well as a plan form, again at Sanchi and at other places such as the plan form of the stone pillars of Ashoka. The dynamic power of the circle is also expressed in a more ‘real’ application in Indian temples, for example as at the ‘wheels’ of the Konarka temple at Puri.

[mithun]

Stupa has three fundamental features.

A hemispherical mound (anda). The anda’s domed shape (green highlights) recalls a mound of dirt that was used to cover the Buddha’s remains. As you might expect, it has a solid core and cannot be entered. Consistent with their symbolic associations, the earliest stupas contained actual relics of the Buddha; the relic chamber, buried deep inside the anda, is called the tabena. Over time, this hemispherical mound has taken on an even grander symbolic association: the mountain home of the gods at the center of the universe.

A square railing (harmika). The harmika (red highlights) is inspired by a square railing or fence that surrounded the mound of dirt, marking it as a sacred burial site.

A central pillar supporting a triple-umbrella form (chattra).The chattra, in turn, was derived from umbrellas that were placed over the mound to protect it from the elements (purple highlights). Just as the anda’s symbolic value expanded over time, the central pillar that holds the umbrellas has come to represent the pivot of the universe, the axis mundi along which the divine descends from heaven and becomes accessible to humanity. And the three circular umbrella-like disks represent the three Jewels, or Triantha, of Buddhism, which are the keys to a true understanding of the faith: (a) Buddha; (b) dharma (Buddhist teachings or religious law); and © sangha (monastic community).



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