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UPSC » Daily News ‘From Ashokan times to now, Sanchi to Europe, story of the Great Stupa ’: 13 September

Daily News ‘From Ashokan times to now, Sanchi to Europe, story of the Great Stupa ’: 13 September

Recently, India's External Affairs Minister visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa, located in front of the Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin.

Table of Content

About Buddhist Stupas:

    • Stupas are burial mounds that enshrine relics of the Buddha or esteemed monks, serving as focal points for meditation and reverence.
    • The stupa is a sacred structure symbolizing the Buddha’s presence, teachings, and the path to enlightenment, and is essential in Buddhist worship.
  • Key Features of a Stupa
    • Dome (Anda): The central part of the stupa represents the world egg, symbolizing the universe and the cosmic mountain. It houses the relics of Buddha or other significant figures.
    • Harmika: A square structure at the top of the dome that represents the throne of the gods.
    • Yasti: A central pillar emerging from the harmika, symbolizing the axis of the world.
    • Chhatri: A parasol-like structure on top of the yasti that represents protection and honor.
    • Medhi (Platform): The circular base of the stupa where devotees circumambulate during prayer or meditation.
  • Stupas constructed over the relics of Buddha:
    • Rajagraha, Vaishali, Vethadipa, and Pava are located in Bihar.
    • Kapilavastu, Allakappa, and Ramagrama are situated in Nepal.
    • Kushinagar and Pippalvina are in Uttar Pradesh.

About Great Stupa of Sanchi:

  • It is one of the oldest structures in India that was commissioned by emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BC. The most recent construction in Sanchi can be dated to as late as the twelfth century CE.
  • The original structure was built with bricks and later covered with stone, including a vedika and torana (gateway).
  • 1989: The Sanchi Stupa, located west of the Betwa River in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why in News?

  • Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa, located in front of the Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin.