Buddhist Architecture (India)

Principal place of early Buddhist worship is the stupa. Mound shaped shrine with no interior. A stupa is a reliquary and worshipers gain spiritual merit through being in close proximity to its contents. Buddhists pray while walking around stupa in an easterly direction (direction of suns course). Central mast at top of stupa with 3 umbrella shapes (Chatras). Symbolizes three jewels of Buddhism (Buddha, Law, and the community of monks).

THE STUPA
The stupa is the most characteristic monument of Buddhist India. Originally stupas were mounds covering the relics of the Buddha or his followers. In its earliest stages Buddhist art didn't represent the Buddha directly. Instead, his presence was alluded to through symbols such as the bo tree, the wheel of law or his footprint. The stupa also became a symbol of the Buddha. In a larger sense the stupa is also a cosmic symbol. Its hemispherical shape represents the world egg. Stupas commonly rest on a square pedestal and are carefully aligned with the four cardinal points of the compass. Stupas are large-scale memorials built in particularly holy places. Generally they enshrine relics of some sort.

Shanti Stupa of Ladakh is located on the hilltop at Changspa. It can be reached quite easily from the Fort Road. The Stupa was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist organization, known as 'The Japanese for World Peace'. The aim behind the construction of the stupa was to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote World Peace. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama inaugurated the Shanti Stupa in the year 1985.

THE STUPA
As a building type the stupa is the forerunner of the pagoda. However, the stupa has also come to be known, on a smaller scale, as the reliquary itself and can be made of crystal, gold, silver or other precious metals.

Stupa in Bangkok, Thailand.

Great Stupa Sanchi, India

Third century B.C.E. to first century C.E. Mound shape and faced with dressed stone Three umbrellas at the top representing Buddha, Buddhas Law, and community of monks Double stairway at south end leads from base to drum where there is a walkway for circumambulation. Hemispherical dome is a replication of the dome of heaven Four toranas, at cardinal points of the compass, grace entrances Torana: richly carved scenes on architraves; Buddha does not appear himself, but is symbolized by an empty throne or tree High relief sculptures, horror vacqui of composition.

Great Stupa Sanchi, India

third century B.C.E. to first century C.E.

Great Stupa Sanchi, India

third century B.C.E. to first century C.E.

Carved decoration of the Northern gateway to the Great Stupa of Sanchi

Great Stupa Sanchi, India

first century B.C.E. to first century C.E.

A torii is a traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entry to a Shinto shrine, although it can be found at Buddhist temples as well. It has two upright supports and two crossbars on the top, and is frequently painted vermilion. Some torii have tablets with writing mounted between the crossbars. Traditionally, torii are made of wood or stone, but makers have started to use steel and even stainless steel. Torii mark the transition from the sacred world to the normal, profane world.

Great Stupa Yakshi Detail of the east torana Sanchi, India

first century B.C.E. to first century C.E.

Chaitya Hall Karle, India

ca. 100 C.E.

Indian characteristic to carve a cave in a mountain Stupa is placed at the end with an ambulatory allowing for ritual circumambulation. Basilican form with long nave defined by columnade. Bell shaped capitols on columns Columns are vase shaped at the bottom because they were originally made of wood and the bases were placed in vases to prevent insects from destroying the wood.

Chaitya Hall Karle, India

ca. 100 C.E.

Bamayan Buddhas (destroyed) Bamayan, Afghanistan

3rd century C.E. 150 feet tall

Bamayan Buddhas (destroyed) Bamayan, Afghanistan

3rd century C.E. 150 feet tall

NON-INDIAN The PAGODA

is the general term in the English language for a tiered tower with multiple eaves common in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia. Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, most commonly Buddhist, and were often located in or near temples. This term may refer to other religious structures in some countries. The pagoda's original purpose was to house relics and sacred writings.

A PAGODA in Japan.