The Stupa is an architectural monument that is mainly used for keeping the cremated remains of the saintly bodies. It is considered as one of the most important places of Buddhism. Most of the Stupas have a distinct semi-spherical shape and a fence all around.
The Great Stupa is located in Sanchi in the Central India and is one of the earliest Stupas. It is the largest of all the Stupas and it also includes the remains of some of the monastic buildings as well. After the death of Buddha, the physical remains of the body were distributed among the 10 burial mounds ("The Stupa", 2016). During the reign of emperor Ashoka, the physical remains were distributed to other sites as well and Sanchi is one of them.
Purpose of the Great Stupa
The Great Stupa is not only a building but initially it was a burial and with the passage of time, it became a cosmic symbolic object that defines Buddha. It reflects Buddha’s final release from the cycle of birth and rebirth (Parinirvana), according to Hindu religion. It shows the final dying of Buddha from this world.
Features of the Great Stupa
The Great Stupa has 3 unique features and these are same for all the Stupas all over the world.
A semi-spherical mound – the dome shape of the Stupa is a mound of dirt that covered the physical remains of the Buddha. No one can enter into this mound as the core is solid ("Buddhist Stupa: Architecture & Symbolism • Approach Guides", 2015). The Great Stupa has a symbolic association as well as it contained the relic chamber of Buddha. With the passage of time, this mound has taken another symbolic association that represents the home of the gods.
Harmika – it is a fence in the form of a square railing and it covers the mound from all around and marked it as a site of sacred rituals ("Buddhist Stupa: Architecture & Symbolism • Approach Guides", 2015).
A pillar or chattra – it is in the shape of an umbrella and is placed on the mound for protection from elements. With the expansion of its symbolic value, the pillar started representing the pivot of the sphere. The three umbrella-shaped disks symbolize the sacred jewels of Buddhism – Buddha, Sangha, and Dharma and show the truth of faith ("Buddhist Stupa: Architecture & Symbolism • Approach Guides", 2015).
Medhi or a terrace – the circular terrace that is also covered by the railing, supports it from the ground and serves as a circumambulation of the rituals ("Buddhist Stupa: Architecture & Symbolism • Approach Guides", 2015).
Enclosure wall – the wall has three stone bars placed horizontally covering the whole structure ("Buddhist Stupa: Architecture & Symbolism • Approach Guides", 2015).
Originally, the Stupa was built with bricks, but later it was converted into its original style in stone ("Buddhist Stupa: Architecture & Symbolism • Approach Guides", 2015).
References
The Stupa. (2016). Asian Art Museum | Education. Retrieved 17 April 2016, from
http://education.asianart.org/explore-resources/background-information/stupa
Buddhist Stupa: Architecture & Symbolism • Approach Guides. (2015). Approach Guides.
Retrieved 17 April 2016, from http://www.approachguides.com/blog/buddhist-stupa-architecture-symbolism/
