BUDDHIST

ARCHITECTURE

Module – 1, Lecture - 2

By: Ar. Surabhi Moharir

DSCA, Bangalore
CONTENTS
MODULE 1
Introduction to Classical (Buddhist) – Mahayana phase

Stupas, Stambhas and their various examples

Mahayana Phase
Mahayana Phase

2nd century BCE- 2nd century CE 3rd century CE – 7th century CE

•Mahayana, (Sanskrit: “Greater Vehicle”) movement that arose within Indian Buddhism
around the beginning of the Common Era and became by the 9th century the dominant
influence on the Buddhist cultures of North, Central and East Asia, which it remains today.
Two phases of Buddhism
After the death of Buddha, Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Hinayana and Mahayana

HINAYANA (Lesser Vehicle or Modest Vehicle):

• Hinayana follows the original teaching of Buddha. It emphasizes individual salvation through self discipline and
meditation.

MAHAYANA (The Great Vehicle):

• This sect of Buddhism believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and believes in Idol Worship.
• Mahayan sect spread from India to several other nations such as China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Nepal, Tibet,
Bhutan and Mangolia.
• Mahayana believes in Mantras.
• Mahayana Buddhism followers think that The Buddha is a God & Buddha can be worshipped as God.
• Its main principles were based on the possibility of universal liberation from suffering for all beings. That’ why,
this sect is called Mahayana (The Great Vehicle)
Buddhist Architecture
Stupas
Stupas
• A stupa, literally meaning heap, is a mound-like structure designed to encase Buddhist relics and other holy
objects.
• Stupas exist all over the world and are the oldest Buddhist religious monuments.
• Emperor Ashoka, who ruled from 274–236 BCE during the Maurya Dynasty , is said to have redistributed the
relics housed in the original stupas of the Buddha into thousands of stupas throughout India.

• Documentary - THE PIPRAHWA PROJECT Bones of the Buddha

http://www.piprahwa.com/documentary
 Stupas
While the different sections of the stupa have various symbolic meanings, its basic shape has come to represent the
seated Buddha when he achieved enlightenment.

• The square base represents the Buddha’s crossed legs as he sat on the earth;
• The middle section, called the hemisphere or mound, is the Buddha’s body;
• The conical spire at the top represents the Buddha’s head.
• There may also be a wooden pole within the stupa representing the Buddha’s spine or central channel
(avadhuti).

Stupa
Symbolism
Stupa Symbolism
Stupa Conceptually, a stupa is a cosmological diagram linking the body of the
Buddha to the universe.
Planning
• The central mass consists of an earthen hemispherical mound faced with fired
bricks, with a shallow berm (or medhi ) ringing its base.

• This round structure is then surrounded by a stone balustrade (or vedika) that
replicates a construction out of wood.

The directions represent space, and the bent entrances, replicating the
movement of the stars, thus representing time.
Stupa Planning In the most basic sense, as an architectural representation of a sacred burial site,
a stupa — no matter where it is located in the world or when it was built — has
three fundamental features.

A hemispherical mound (anda)

• The anda’s domed shape (green highlights) recalls a mound of dirt that was used
to cover the Buddha’s remains.

• It has a solid core and cannot be entered.

• Consistent with their symbolic associations, the earliest stupas contained actual
relics of the Buddha; the relic chamber, buried deep inside the anda, is called
the tabena.

• Over time, this hemispherical mound has taken on an even grander symbolic
association: the mountain home of the gods at the center of the universe.

A square railing (harmika)

The harmika (red highlights) is inspired by a square railing or fence that surrounded
the mound of dirt, marking it as a sacred burial site.
Stupa Planning A central pillar supporting a triple-umbrella form (chattra)

• The chattra, in turn, was derived from umbrellas that were

placed over the mound to protect it from the elements
(purple highlights).

• Just as the anda’s symbolic value expanded over time, the

central pillar that holds the umbrellas has come to represent
the pivot of the universe, the axis mundi along which the
divine descends from heaven and becomes accessible to
humanity.

• And the three circular umbrella-like disks represent the three

Jewels, or Triantha, of Buddhism, which are the keys to a
true understanding of the faith:

• (a) Buddha; (b) dharma (Buddhist teachings or religious

law); and (c) sangha (monastic community).
 Around these three core building
Stupa Planning blocks were added secondary
features.

Toranas

Enclosure wall with decorated

gateways at the cardinal directions

The wall — with its three horizontal

stone bars, surrounds the entire
structure. The wall is marked in light
blue highlights and the toranas in
yellow.

A circular terrace (medhi)

The terrace — surrounded by a

similar three-bar railing — supports
the anda and raises it off the ground
(black highlights); it likely served as
a platform for ritual
circumambulation.
Structural Elements of Stupa
 Stupas
There are five types of stupas:

1. The relic stupa, containing the

remains of the Buddha and his
disciples;
2. The object stupa, containing
objects that belonged to the
Buddha or his disciples;
3. The commemorative stupa,
marking an event in the Buddha’s
life;
4. The symbolic stupa, representing
aspects of Buddhist teachings;
5. The votive stupa, erected to
make a dedication or to
accumulate merit.
 Stupas

Chronological Development of Stupas

1. Early Indian Stupa 3rd to early 1st centuries B.C.

2. Later Indian Stupa 2nd century A.D.
3. Chinese Pagoda 5th - 7th centuries
4. Japanese Pagoda 7th century

Evolution (Stupa to Pagoda)

 STUPAS IN INDIA
Dhamekh Stupa
• The Dhamekh Stupa is an exquisite example of Buddhist architecture with
carved figures of flowers, humans and birds and inscriptions in Brahmi
script.
• The original structure was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE
and was completed much later in 500 CE during the Gupta reign.
• The solid cylinder of bricks and stone structure with a diameter of 28 meters
and looming at a height of 43.6 meters is believed to represent the spot of a
deer park where Lord Buddha gave the first sermon to his five disciples
after attaining enlightenment, “revealing his Eightfold Path leading to
nirvana”.
Ramabhar Stupa
• The Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar holds a significant place in the history of
Buddhism being the cremation site of Lord Buddha, who is believed to have
attained enlightenment and Nirvana on a full moon night.
• The site was the place where Lord Buddha gave his last sermon to his
disciples, “impermanence is inherent in all things. Work out your own
salvation with diligence”.
• The Ramabhar Stupa is a dome shaped monument having brickworks and
stands at a height of 49 feet.
STUPAS IN INDIA
Kesaria Stupa
• The 104 feet structure, Kesaria Stupa is one of the tallest and largest
Buddhist Stupas in the world.
• It is said to date back between 200 AD and 750 AD and may have been
associated with the 4th century ruler, Raja Chakravarti.
• Further, it is claimed that the original height of the Kesaria Stupa was 150
feet but was reduced to its present status after an earthquake in Bihar in
1934.
• It is believed that Lord Buddha, during his stay in Kesaria, preached here.

Chaukhandi Stupa
• Another marvelous high earthen mound covered with a brickwork
edifice belonging from the Gupta period, the Chaukhandi Stupa was
originally built as a terraced temple, signifying the meeting of Lord
Buddha and his first disciples on their journey from Bodh Gaya to
Sarnath.

• Later in the 16th century, an octagonal tower was built over the terrace
structure to commemorate the visit of Humayun.
 Amaravati Stupa, Andhra Pradesh
STUPAS IN INDIA
1. Amaravati Stupa dates back around 2000 years, between the 3rd century BC and 2nd
century BC. It was built during the reign of Ashoka

2. The stupa was a centre for religious activity and worship for hundreds of years and
was probably still used by worshippers up until certainly A.D. 1344. until when it was
abandoned. With the course of time, the entire monument got covered under dust and
debris.

3. Amaravati Stupa is the largest one in the state of Andhra Pradesh, with a diameter of
about 50 metres and a height of about 27 metres.

4. It consists of a circular vedika, depicting Lord Buddha in his human form, on top of an
elephant. The high platforms of the stupa protrude in four directions.

5. This monument showcases the typical Mauryan architecture in South India.

6. Much of the stone that was used to build the stupa was used by local contractors to
make lime mortar during the 19th century.

7. Many sculptures found here were removed and are now a part of museums all over the
country.

8. However, a few broken pillars remain that remind of the significance and past glory of
the monument.

9. Today almost nothing is preserved of this great monument on the site. Large
collections of the Amaravati sculptures are kept in various museums.
STUPAS IN INDIA
Amaravati Stupa, Andhra Pradesh
1. At the first glance Amaravati has all the familiar features of an
Indian stupa including a ground vedika punctuated by four cardinal
entries, a medhi, and a hemispherical anda crowned with a harmika
and a yupa-yasti at the
2. summit;

3. besides these, this southern Indian stupa also exhibits new features
that distinguish itself from its cousins in the North.

4. First, the tremendous increase in its size and dense surface

ornamentations are immediately apparent; the huge diameter of the
medhi is 162’ compared to 120’ for Sanchi.

5. The inner diameter of the ground vedika is 192’ and Amaravati

rises to an amazing height of over 90’ from the ground level to the
top of the harmika.

6. The identical entries in the four cardinal points are approached

frontally rather than from the sides as in North Indian stupas; each
entrance has a semi-cicular half-lotus slab that also serves as one of
the treads leading to the 15’ wide pradaksina path, which is
elevated 2’ above the outside ground level.
STUPAS IN INDIA

Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

1. The Great Stupa at Sanchi, in central India, is one of the earliest stupas; it served as an architectural prototype for all others that followed.

2. The world-famous stupa — first constructed by the 3rd-century-BCE Mauryan ruler Ashoka in brick — was later expanded to twice its original size in stone.

3. The harmika (square rail unit) surmounting it, the yashti (mast) representing the cosmic axis and the chhatras (umbrellas) signifying the many heavens were also
added during this period.

4. Along with a chaitya vihar (assembly hall) and an early fifth-century Gupta temple with a pillared portico, the site also houses two other stupas—one (first century
BCE) sports Shunga-period railing decorations and the other (first century BCE–first century CE) has a single toran.
 STUPAS IN INDIA

Peace Pagoda,
Darjeeling

Shanti Stupa,
Leh Stupa at Deur
Kothar

Bavikonda Stupa, Andhra Maha Stupa at

Thotlakonda
Stambhas
Stambhas
• A stambha consists of a circular column or
shaft slightly tapering towards the summit
(monolithic).

• On top of this shaft is the Persepolitan bell or the

inverted lotus shaped base.

• Above this is the abacus on top of which rests the

crowning sculpture.

• These three portions were carved out of a single

stone (monolithic).

• The stambhas erected during various periods have

shown a development in style and structure.
Stambhas
Stambhas are of different types -

1. The stambhas of King Ashoka (Buddhist Architecture)

2. Dhwaja stambha
3. Kirtistambha / Vijaystambha
4. Deepastambha

The Ashoka pillars depict the

royal edicts of King Ashoka of
the Mauryan dynasty. The dhwaja stambhas are placed in front of the Kirti/vijay stambhas usually The deepa stambhas are lit up on
main deity of a temple; commemorate victories. festival days at temples.
Stambhas
The Ashokan Pillars
• The Ashoka pillars were columns built by Maurya king and
emperor Ashoka during 3rd century B.C.

• These pillars are a series of columns dispersed throughout

Northern India by King Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd
century BCE.

• The Ashokan pillar is surmounted by an ornate capital, it is the shaft

with the inscribed edicts that is of primary significance.

• The Asokan pillars consist of a stylized lotus base that supports an

ornamental drum on which there are sculptures of animals ranging
from the bull to the lion signifying royal authority.

• These pillars were inscribed with his edicts. Nineteen pillars

still exist with the inscriptions.

• The pillars were carved out of red-white or

buff-coloured sandstone, mostly at Buddhist monasteries after
being brought from Chunar and Mathura.

• The pillars weigh 50 tonnes in weight and were average 15 m in

height.

Inscriptions on Ashoka pillar

(Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts)
Stambhas

The Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath

• Most famous is the pillar found at Sarnath,

the site of the Buddha’s first sermon, the
lotus base and drum of which is topped by a
capital of four lions.

• Surmounting all this, at least originally, was

the Buddhist wheel of law, which has, in
turn, been adopted as the symbol of the
modern Indian nation.

Inscriptions on Ashoka pillar

(Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts)
Stambhas
The Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath

The Capital

• The top of the column—the capital—has three parts. First, a base of a lotus
flower, the most ubiquitous symbol of Buddhism.

• Then, a drum on which four animals are carved representing the four cardinal
directions: a horse (west), an ox (east), an elephant (south), and a lion (north).

• They also represent the four rivers that leave Lake Anavatapta and enter the
world as the four major rivers.

• Each of the animals can also be identified by each of the four perils of samsara.

• The moving animals follow one another endlessly turning the wheel of
existence.

Inscriptions on Ashoka pillar

(Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts)
Stambhas
The Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath

The Capital
• Four lions stand atop the drum, each facing in the four cardinal directions.

• Their mouths are open roaring or spreading the dharma, the Four Noble
Truths, across the land.

• The lion references the Buddha, formerly Shakyamuni, a member of the

Shakya (lion) clan.

• The lion is also a symbol of royalty and leadership and may also represent
the Buddhist king Ashoka who ordered these columns.

• A cakra (wheel) was originally mounted above the lions.

• Some of the lion capitals that survive have a row of geese carved below the
lions. The goose is an ancient Vedic symbol. The flight of the goose is
thought of as a link between the earthly and heavenly spheres.
Stambhas

Inscriptions on Ashoka pillar

(Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts)
Stambhas
The Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath

The pillar reads from bottom to top.

The lotus represents the murky water of the mundane world and the lions
are the Buddha himself from whom the knowledge of release from samsara
is possible.

And the cakra that once stood at the apex represents moksa, the release
from samsara.

The symbolism of moving up the column toward Enlightenment parallels

the way in which the practitioner meditates on the stupa in order to attain
the same goal.

Inscriptions on Ashoka pillar

(Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts)
Stambhas
The Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath

Inscriptions on Ashoka pillar

(Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts)
Stambhas

The Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath

Stambhas
The Ashokan Pillars

The Ashoka pillars depict the royal edicts

of King Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty.

Ashoka pillar, 3rd century B.C.,Vaishali (without edict),

Stambhas
The Ashokan Pillars

Ashoka pillar at Allahabad, 1870 image. Ashoka pillar with lion capital near Bhubaneshwar,3rd century B.C.,Odisha.
Stambhas
Dhwaja / Brahama Stamba

The dhwaja stambhas are placed in front of the Brahmastambha, 17th century,Hassan, Karnataka.
Dhwajastambha, Kolaramma temple, Kolar, Karnataka.
main deity of a temple;
Stambhas
Kirtistambha / vijaystambha

Kirti/vijay stambhas usually

commemorate victories. Victory pillar with inscriptions, 8th century, Pattadakal, Karnataka. Vijay stambh, 15th century, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
Stambhas
Deepa stambha

Deepastambha, Harsiddhi Mata Temple, Ujjain. Deepastambha,Shantadurga temple, 18th century, Goa.
The deepa stambhas are lit up on
festival days at temples.
Thank You!