This is thirty-second in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. There are various intricate sculptures in each of these temples where each one of them is better than the other.
On the East Gate of Great Stupa of Sanchi has beautiful sculptures of elephants at the top side. The close up of the elephants shows skillfully carved cloth coverings and other details.
Dashavatara in Ellora has a sculpture of Mahadeva in his terrible form. The gigantic figure lounges forward holding up his elephant hide, with a necklace of skulls depending below is loins, while with his trishul he has transfixed one victim.
To add to the elements of horror, Kali, gaunt and grim, stretches her skeleton length below, with huge mouth, having a crooked knife in her right hand, and stretching out the other with a bowl as if wanting a share of the victims blood.
At Sun Temple of Modhera, on the step of the Surya Kund directly opposite the temple, a small shrine has Vishnu on Shesh Shaiya.
This is twentieth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The 9th century Brahmeswara Temple in Bhubaneshwar is one of the earliest temples of the city and there are beautiful sculptures on the external walls of this temple.
A warrior riding a horse with the full attire required for combat. There are several similar sculptures with minute differences.
A portrait of couple having an interesting discussion. From their expression of their faces it is very clear it is something funny. At Sanchi the Great Stupa has interesting sculptures depicting life of Buddha and life of people at that time.
- From the top front panel of the right post, after the death of Buddha's mother, she was reborn in the Heaven. The panel shows his return to earth following the visit. Buddha descends the central ladder in the company of Indra, Brahma, and other gods and sages.
- From the middle front panel of the right post, a royal departure is shown, perhaps of the Buddha's father from Kapilavastu.
- From the right post, the fortunate denizens relax "at ease" behind a colonnade, or view the passing scene from an upper balcony.
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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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.
Sanchi is a small village located 46 km north east of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state. This is a important Buddhist pilgrimage area. Here several Buddhist monuments dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century BC can be seen.
This place is not directly connected with events in the life of the Buddha. But, it became a pilgrimage site when Emperor Ashoka erected a Stupa sometime the 3d century BC. The way Stupas are built has lot of significance. They are built on a hill, where their beneficial influence can radiate to all four points of the compass. The dome of Stupa represents the universe.
Here is the meditating Budha outside the "Great Stupa". We shall explore it in more detail very soon. Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sites I visited here are
This is fifth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of temples in India. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship and the focus here is on the Buddhist Stupas. The construction of famous Great Stupa of Sanchi is commissioned sometime in 3rd century BCE. It has sandstone gates in in all the four corners of the Stupa.
The Eastern Gate is carved beautifully like all the other gates here. There are beautiful carvings of people, animals like elephants, lions, peacocks on it. But most famous sculpture on this gate is that of an shalabhanjika or Yakshi.
Here, it is added as an auspicious element to the decoration of the gate. The Yakshi is hanging by a mango tree. The sensuous maiden is carved with a single pearl necklace falling between her breasts, heavy anklets and bracelets. Her hair is tied into elaborate plaits.
