This is 14th in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. In Sanchi not only the 3rd century BC Stupas are interesting but the beautifully carved gateways (tornas) are one of the most elegant structures. There are 4 such carved gateways in 4 cardinal directions, depicting life scenes of Buddha and Jataka stories around the Great Stupa.
The Western Gate has been elegantly carved.This beautiful view of Western Gate can be experienced from the elevated circumlocutory platform as one looks outward from the Stupa. There are 3 different architraves depicting various scenes on Lord Buddha.
From top to bottom they represent:
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The Western Gate has been elegantly carved.This beautiful view of Western Gate can be experienced from the elevated circumlocutory platform as one looks outward from the Stupa. There are 3 different architraves depicting various scenes on Lord Buddha.
From top to bottom they represent:
- A royal procession brings the relics of Buddha to the city of Kushinagara under the control of Mall Kings.
- Following the Buddha's death, as various claimants wanted portion of the remains and they prepare to attack Malla city as they were not ready to share it. Fortunately, the conflict was resolved without bloodshed, as a Brahmin made peace and apportioned the relics equitably.
- In the center is a representation of the temple later erected at Bodhgaya. To the right, the demon hosts of Mara have been defeated by Buddha and flee in a disorderly retreat. To the left, a celestial host with musicians and drummers approaches in reverence.
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43 comments:
The detail in the carving is truly marvelous. This is pure poetry in stone.
Real poetry indeed.. Wonderful..!
Gorgeous! I love seeing the sights in your country!
Epics of marvelous proportions!
wow -never visited sanchi but through ur pics it felt that you brought sanchi in front of my eyes :) :)
Amazing carvings!! Grand...!!Thanks Rajesh, for sharing.
Great shots, as always!
Interesting information with beautiful pictures...
nice info and good photos
thanks
Beautiful carvings. Nice captures.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Rajesh, the carved gateways are beautiful. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing!
Nice pictures .
Marvelous post series! I truly enjoy the details on gate.
Such intricate carvings.
what a fascinating gate
What detail!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
What an awesome sculpture, Rajesh, and your photos are superb! Hope you have a great week!
Wow! What pictures!
I love such details!
Very interesting. The gate is amazingly beautiful.
I love these pictures, delicious gigantic sculpture, wonderful. Greetings.
Wow, that gate is magnificent! Can you imagine all the work that went into creating it all those years ago...
That gateway is awesome!
Splendid Gateways with intricate,captivating & beautiful workmanship.
How beautiful! I'm sure the pictures don't do justice to it.
WAY cool!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
It is amazing how much detail can go into stone work.
Stunning carvings, the tornas are majestic entrances.
Amazingly detailed stonework and nice photos of it.
The more I look at these carvings, the more I fall in love with them. Brilliantly beautiful.
I don't often see a gate with a style like that. Carvings always amaze me.
Absolutely amazing! Are the gateways from the 3rd century too, like the stupas? They've certainly withstood the years beautifully - such intricate carving! I marvel at the talent and dedication required to create such things of beauty and reverence. And I love learning about such things - thank you for this post!
Great form of poetry.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Wonderful detail, so intricate in design...thank you for sharing the story that goes with the pictures.
oh, how lovely!
wow!such delicate carvings.
Thank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship.
I love this - please tell me clearly where it is because I HAVE to go there, I really do! Is it in Gwalior please? Thank you for the wonderful photographs and information Rajesh
I need to know exactly where this is Rajeesh!Because i KNOW I have to go there soonest! Thank you for sharing it with us.
No, this place is near Buhaneshwar in Orissa.
Wonderful pictures..have been there..aptly goes the title !
Amazing details !
Superb coverage Rajesh!
Such intricate carvings...an apt title. Amazing clicks.
The gateways are amazing!! what a great carvings!! We have read about it in history of India, Thanks for sharing this beautiful history of India :)
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