Monday, December 17, 2012

Poetry in Stone - 14

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: 
  • 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:

George said...

The detail in the carving is truly marvelous. This is pure poetry in stone.

Sridharan said...

Real poetry indeed.. Wonderful..!

BunnyKissd said...

Gorgeous! I love seeing the sights in your country!

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Epics of marvelous proportions!

Anonymous said...

wow -never visited sanchi but through ur pics it felt that you brought sanchi in front of my eyes :) :)

Panchali said...

Amazing carvings!! Grand...!!Thanks Rajesh, for sharing.
Great shots, as always!

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

Interesting information with beautiful pictures...

Krishna/കൃഷ്ണ said...

nice info and good photos

thanks

R Niranjan Das said...

Beautiful carvings. Nice captures.

www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

eileeninmd said...

Rajesh, the carved gateways are beautiful. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing!

Teamgsquare said...

Nice pictures .

Jeevan said...

Marvelous post series! I truly enjoy the details on gate.

Lorrie said...

Such intricate carvings.

Gerald (SK14) said...

what a fascinating gate

Unknown said...

What detail!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Sylvia K said...

What an awesome sculpture, Rajesh, and your photos are superb! Hope you have a great week!

Indrani said...

Wow! What pictures!
I love such details!

LifeRamblings said...

Very interesting. The gate is amazingly beautiful.

Leovi said...

I love these pictures, delicious gigantic sculpture, wonderful. Greetings.

Robin said...

Wow, that gate is magnificent! Can you imagine all the work that went into creating it all those years ago...

Anonymous said...

That gateway is awesome!

Ramakrishnan said...

Splendid Gateways with intricate,captivating & beautiful workmanship.

Cindi said...

How beautiful! I'm sure the pictures don't do justice to it.

Roger Owen Green said...

WAY cool!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Carver said...

It is amazing how much detail can go into stone work.

Joy said...

Stunning carvings, the tornas are majestic entrances.

Al said...

Amazingly detailed stonework and nice photos of it.

Kavita Saharia said...

The more I look at these carvings, the more I fall in love with them. Brilliantly beautiful.

Hazel said...

I don't often see a gate with a style like that. Carvings always amaze me.

Laloofah said...

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!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Great form of poetry.


Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wonderful detail, so intricate in design...thank you for sharing the story that goes with the pictures.

Mama Pajama said...

oh, how lovely!

Anonymous said...

wow!such delicate carvings.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship.

florellyP said...

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

florellyP said...

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.

Rajesh said...

No, this place is near Buhaneshwar in Orissa.

Maniparna said...

Wonderful pictures..have been there..aptly goes the title !

Anonymous said...

Amazing details !

Paresh Kale said...

Superb coverage Rajesh!

K.A. Acharya said...

Such intricate carvings...an apt title. Amazing clicks.

Unknown said...

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 :)