Stupa Architecture

Notes

Parts of a stupa:
- Anda: hemispherical dome.
- Harmika: square railing on top.
- Chhatra: umbrella.
- Yashti: central mast.
- Medhi: drum or base.
- Vedika: railing.
- Torana: gateway.
- Pradakshina patha: circumambulation path.
Types: relic (Sharirika), object (Paribhogika), commemorative (Uddeshika), votive.
Major stupas:
- Sanchi (Raisen, MP):
  - Stupa 1 was built by Ashoka (brick) and enlarged under the Shungas (stone).
  - The four toranas were added in the Satavahana period.
  - Jataka scenes, with the Buddha shown through symbols.
- Bharhut (MP): Shunga period, Jataka stories and Yakshas.
- Amaravati (Andhra, Krishna river): Satavahana/Ikshvaku, marble slabs, narrative art.
- Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath: Gupta period, at the site of the first sermon.
- Piprahwa (UP): relics of the Buddha.
- Kesariya (Bihar): one of the largest stupas.
- Dharmarajika, Taxila.
Tradition says Ashoka built 84,000 stupas.

Key points: Mahayana stupas have Buddha figures on the torana or medhi, while earlier ones are aniconic.