The Great Stupa at Sanchi: Art, Architecture, and Spirituality

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the most important and well-preserved ancient Buddhist monuments in India. Located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. The Great Stupa, also known as Stupa No. 1, is the largest and most famous of the stupas at Sanchi and serves as a symbol of the spread of Buddhism in India.Emperor Ashokathe Great originally commissioned the Great Stupa in the 3rd century BCE, during the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka, after his conversion to Buddhism following the Kalinga War, became a significant patron of Buddhism and commissioned the construction of several stupas across his empire to house relics of the Buddha. Actually, the original stupa was a simple, hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was about half the size of the current stupa and was a symbol of the Buddha's parinirvana (final nirvana).In the 2nd century BCE, during the Shunga Dynasty, the Great Stupa was enlarged and more elaborate architectural elements were added. The stupa was encased in stone, and its diameter was increased to about 36 meters, with a height of 16 meters. A walkway (pradakshinapatha) was added around the stupa for circumambulation, a common practice in Buddhist rituals.

The Great Stupa of Sanchi served several important religious, cultural, and social purposes in ancient India, particularly within the context of Buddhism.The primary purpose of the Great Stupa was to house the relics of the Buddha. Stupas are traditionally built as reliquaries, and they hold physical remains of the Buddha or other revered Buddhist figures, such as their ashes, bones, or other sacred objects. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha, making it a highly sacred site for Buddhists. Of course, the stupa's structure symbolises the Buddha's path to enlightenment and his attainment of nirvana. The hemispherical dome represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha, and the entire monument is a symbol of the cosmos and the spiritual journey toward enlightenment. Though, the Great Stupa became an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Pilgrims would visit the stupa to pay their respects, meditate, and seek spiritual merit. The act of pilgrimage to a stupa is considered a form of devotion that brings spiritual benefits to the devotee. Beside, the stupa was designed to facilitate the practice of pradakshina, or ritual circumambulation. Devotees would walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, keeping the stupa to their right. This act symbolizes the path of the sun and the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, while also expressing reverence for the Buddha and his teachings. Although, the Great Stupa, like other religious monuments, also served as a place for the local community to gather, celebrate festivals, and engage in religious and social activities. It was a focal point for the local Buddhist community and played a role in the social life of the area. However, the construction of the Great Stupa and its associated monuments helped to promote and spread Buddhism in the region. It demonstrated the patronage and support of powerful rulers like Ashoka, which contributed to the growth and establishment of Buddhism as a major religion in India.

                                                                     

                          India, Madhya Pradesh state, Sanchi, Buddhist monuments/ Getty Images

                   

The Great Stupa has been a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists since its construction. It served as a focal point for the spread of Buddhism in central India and beyond. The site attracted devotees, monks, and scholars who contributed to the dissemination of Buddhist teachings.The stupa, as a structure, represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha. Its shape symbolises the Buddha’s path to enlightenment and his achievement of nirvana. The act of circumambulating the stupa is a meditative practice that symbolises the journey towards enlightenment.                                                          

The architectural characteristic of the Great stupa is amazing. The central feature of the Great Stupa is its large, solid hemispherical dome, symbolising the dome of heaven. The dome is a representation of the meditative state of the Buddha and the universe.At the top of the stupa is a small, square railing (harmika) that encloses the chatra, a triple umbrella-like structure symbolizing the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (monastic community).The most striking features of the Great Stupa are its four elaborately carved gateways, or toranas, which face the four cardinal directions. These were added during the Shunga period and are considered masterpieces of ancient Indian art. Each torana is decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives), the life of the Buddha, and other symbolic motifs like the lotus flower, wheel of law (dharmachakra), and mythical creatures. Yet, surrounding the stupa is a stone railing known as the vedika, which also features detailed carvings and separates the sacred space of the stupa from the outside world. The vedika allowed devotees to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, a ritual act known as pradakshina.

                                                             

Buddha statue near the eastern gate, Great stupa/ Getty Images

    

The art of the Great Stupa is notable for its an iconic representation of the Buddha. Instead of depicting the Buddha in human form, artists used symbols such as the lotus, the wheel, the Bodhi tree, and the empty throne to represent him. Nonetheless, the narrative reliefs and symbolism found at Sanchi played a crucial role in the development of Buddhist art in India. The artistic traditions established here influenced subsequent Indian art and continued to evolve in other Buddhist regions, including Gandhara, Mathura, and further into Southeast Asia. Despite that, the carvings on the toranas and vedika are narrative in nature, illustrating events from the life of the Buddha and his previous incarnations. These stories served as visual teachings for the devotees and are an important source of information about early Buddhist beliefs and practices. Nevertheless, the art of Sanchi reflects a blend of various cultural and religious influences, including local folk traditions, early Indian art styles, and the evolving Buddhist iconography. This syncretism is evident in the portrayal of figures, animals, and mythical creatures. However, the Great Stupa at Sanchi is not only a religious monument but also a masterpiece of ancient Indian art and architecture. The detailed carvings and architectural features reflect the artistic and cultural achievements of the time. The stupa became a model for later Buddhist architecture and influenced the development of art across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

The Great Stupa at Sanchi, along with other monuments at the site, was largely forgotten and fell into disrepair after the decline of Buddhism in India. The site was rediscovered in the early 19th century by British explorers and archaeologists, including General Taylor and Sir Alexander Cunningham, who conducted initial excavations and conservation work.Over the years, extensive conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve the Great Stupa and other monuments at Sanchi. The site has been protected and restored, ensuring its survival as a vital link to India’s ancient Buddhist heritage.In 1989, Sanchi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical, religious, and artistic significance. The Great Stupa is considered one of the most important examples of early Buddhist architecture in India and continues to attract visitors and scholars from around the world. But, the Great Stupa at Sanchi remains a timeless symbol of Buddhism's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and its preservation allows for ongoing appreciation of ancient Indian art, architecture, and religious history.Today, the Great Stupa serves as a vital educational resource, helping historians, archaeologists, and students understand the early development of Buddhism, its artistic expressions, and its spread across the Indian subcontinent.