Architecture at SARNATH (STUPAS)

Buddhist Architecture

1. A PRESENTATION ON ARCHITECTURE AT SARNATH (STUPAS) Presented by : Krati Srivastava B.Arch IIIrd Sem

2. Sarnath derived from ‘ Sarang Nath ’ meaning ‘Lord of the Deers ’ i.e , Gautama Buddha . Famous foreign travellers such as Fa-Hien and Hiuen -Tsang visited S arnath during the 5 th and 7 th Centuries respectively. The main sites at S arnath include three Stupas , a Main Shrine and a few Monasteries. The three Stupas are: The Chaukhandi Stupa The Dhamekh Stupa The Dharamrajika Stupa It is noteworthy that apart from these sites and important remain found here is the Ashoka’s Pillar. SARNATH – AN OVERVIEW

3. Stupa – Introduction and Types Stupa – A Stupa a solid hemispherical structure built to enshrine the corporeal remains of Lord Buddha , or as a memorial of some remarkable event. Types of Stupas : Relic Stupa Commemorial Stupa Object Stupa Symbolic Stupa Votive Stupa

4. DHARAMRAJIKA STUPA Dharamrajika stupa was built by Ashoka to enshrine the relics of lord buddha , at the time of its re-distribution to enshrine them, in a number of other stupas at different places, it is referred, that king asoka opened seven original relic stupas and collected relics to erect thousands of stupas and dharmarajika stupa is one of them.The stupa was unfortunately destroyed by Jagat Singh of Benares in order to exploit the building materials in 1794 A.D.

5. THE DHARAMRAJIKA STUPA Build by Ashoka to enshrine the relics of Lord Buddha. Typical hemispheric Stupa with umbrella and railings. Is made up of concentric layers of wedge-shaped bricks. Originally had a 49’ diameter, after enlargement attained 110’ diameter. Rebuild or restored six different times, included additions like a pradakshina path of 15’ width, railings 4’5’’ high and doorways on cardinal points. Had a relic casket with bones of B uddha and a few pearls.

6. The Dhamekh Stupa

7. SARNATH-THE DHAMEKH STUPA Built by Ashoka in the 249 B.C.E and modified time to time. 143’ high Stupa including the foundation. Lower part made up of stones, and upper part of bricks. Has a diameter of about 93’ at the base. The stone portion is carved beautifully with floral patterns and geometric designs. It has eight projections of lotus petal shape and each has a niche which had an image of Lord Buddha. Has a circumambulatory path. Has a Jaina temple adjoining to it.

8. THE CARVINGS ON DHAMEKH STUPA

9. THE CHAUKHANDI STUPA Chaukhandi Stupa is an important Buddhist Stupa in Sarnath , located 13 kms From Varanasi ,Uttar Pradesh, India. Stupas have evolved from burial mounds And serve as a shrine for a relic of Buddha.

10. Chaukhandi in local language means square edifice. Stands on a basement consisting of 3 terraces each 12’ high and 12’ broad. Estimated to have had a height of 200’. The core is made of solid Brickwork in clay mortar, the terraces are supported on rows Of hollow cells. Surmounted by a tower octagonal in shape built in 1585 A.D.Akbar to memorize the visit of Humayun . Buddha met his 5 disciples at this place.

11. VARIOUS PLINTHS AT THE CHAUKHANDI STUPA

12. CLOSE UP OF CHAUKHANDI STUPA PLINTH

13. THE ASHOKA’S PILLAR

14. SARNATH-ASHOKA’S PILLAR Stood in the Deer P ark near the Dharamrajika Stupa . Has a spoked wheel ( Dharamchakra ) depicting Prevalance of law. Four lions each in one direction showing that Ashoka ruled in all directions. Has animals carved over it depicting different life stages of Buddha.

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