Source: News on Air
Context: The two-day Mahabodhi Mahotsav is being held at the Great Stupa at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The event includes religious ceremonies honoring the relics of Lord Buddha’s chief disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of Sanchi Stupa.
About Sanchi Stupa:
- Historical Significance: Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and later expanded by Shunga and Satavahana rulers.
- Architectural Features:
- Large hemispherical dome (Anda) symbolizing the universe.
- Chatras (umbrella structures) on top, signifying royalty and divine protection.
- Harmika (balcony) atop the dome representing the abode of the gods.
- Medhi stores relics and serves as the base of the stupa.
- Toranas: Four elaborately carved gates depicting Buddha’s life events and Jataka tales, pointing to four cardinal directions.
- Vedica: Railings enclosing the stupa for sacred protection.
- Paradakshinapatha: Pathways for circumambulation by devotees.
- Symbolism: Early Buddhist aniconism; Buddha represented through symbols like footprints, wheels, or empty thrones rather than direct depictions.
- Inscriptions: Includes Ashokan Lion Capital and inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
- UNESCO Status: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1989.
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