This is 13th in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. In Sanchi not only the 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 South Gate mark is the main entrance to the Stupa. The inscription on the Southern Gate states that they have been carved by ivory carvers of nearby Vidisha. These gateways were constructed during 1st century B.C with Southern Gate being the oldest.
The architraves are carried on lion caryatids. Riders mounted on deer and horses occupy the cross squares. Pictured on the outer face of the architraves from top to bottom are: a lustration of Lakshmi, a royal visit of Ashoka to the stupa, and a scene with dwarves among foliage.
On the left post there are various interesting carvings. One of them is King Ashoka with his queens.
The South Gate mark is the main entrance to the Stupa. The inscription on the Southern Gate states that they have been carved by ivory carvers of nearby Vidisha. These gateways were constructed during 1st century B.C with Southern Gate being the oldest.
The architraves are carried on lion caryatids. Riders mounted on deer and horses occupy the cross squares. Pictured on the outer face of the architraves from top to bottom are: a lustration of Lakshmi, a royal visit of Ashoka to the stupa, and a scene with dwarves among foliage.
On the left post there are various interesting carvings. One of them is King Ashoka with his queens.
41 comments:
Those are incredible gateways with such detailed carvings. Excellent captures.
it is difficult not to be amazed by architecture of those times.
Marvelous pictures.
Loved the carvings...especially in the last photo...
You are really lucky to see all these
Beautiful architecture!...Christine
Happy Blue Monday!
Lovely pix :)
~Pernilla
those are some nice carvings :)
Great carvings. You have captured them well.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
The temple, gateway and carvings are just amazing. Wonderful photos, Rajesh!
The 1st century BCE? Incredible. You have really turned my understanding of India upside down. These are so beautiful and show so much creativity and skill!
Your photos captured the details, Remarkable! Marvelous post.
What beautiful carvings. Thanks for playing today.
Happy Blue Monday, Rajesh.
Lovely series of Photo Rajesh :) hope you could visit my entry too Travel Quest
This is absolutely beautiful. The details of the carvings are amazing. I'm glad they are in such fine condition, considering how old they are.
I have been enjoying your blog for sometime now and travelling virtually via you to India. I am going to add your blog to my Travel Tales blogroll and thought you would like to know this. :)
What a fascinating place, Rajesh!! The carvings are amazing! Superb captures for the day!!
Beautiful carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Really impressive works of art, a true wonder.
I am astounded that these magnificent carvings have withstood the passage of time so well.
every single square inch of the torna is decorated it seems. how delightful to look at.
The bas reliefs on the gates are wonderful.
Amazing work! I hope they are preserved well for long.
Superb..!
Wow - that gate is magnificent!
beautiful photos...
thanks
love the facade!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
How very, very beautiful! Although I don't know anything about hinduism I enjoy seeing these very detailed carvings and decorations telling the stories of your rich history.
Thank you for sharing!
How beautiful!
Beautiful!! And such a beautiful and important place too. I visited there long ago:)
Wow ! what an art work, it's beautiful !!
So beautiful, so intricate. I looked a long time at the carvings of people in the bottom picture...they are rendered so perfectly. Amazing.
The gateway is impressive from a distance but the close up photos of all the intricate details make it an amazing work of art.
Wonderful captures. You could have informed while visiting Sanchi. I am at Bhopal. W could have joined and I could have taken to certain other important but less known places around.
Thank you all for appreciating this wonderful craftsmanship.
clever craft, I like the swans, same as those here in NZ.
I always look forward to your entries as it introduces us more and more to India.
Hooray, I finally get my PC back so I am playing catch up with all of the S entries this week.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
What a beautiful structures :-) am sure it is beautiful when you are their in person :-) Dropping by for Blue Monday :-)
http://www.jessysadventure.com/2012/11/a-blue-post-card-doctors-appointment.html
beautiful and rich heritage
Loved the Images..i wish to visit the Place Someday.. :D
Excellent captures of details of architecture.
The iconic stupa of Sanchi. Had first saw its photographs in my school text book and have always wanted to go there. You have captured it beautifully :)
What a lovely place
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