India is probably the country where the culmination of the existence of all the religions
are profoundly seen in the past, present and will also be seen in future. Alongside Hinduism, Buddhism has always been there in India. Although Buddhism started in Nepal its presence has always been felt throughout the Indian history. Even today Buddhism is spread out in various parts of India and there are various types of Buddhist temples and stupas built for one to see.
are profoundly seen in the past, present and will also be seen in future. Alongside Hinduism, Buddhism has always been there in India. Although Buddhism started in Nepal its presence has always been felt throughout the Indian history. Even today Buddhism is spread out in various parts of India and there are various types of Buddhist temples and stupas built for one to see.
Talking about the kings of Ancient India one king’s name features on the top of the list in relation to the spread of Buddhism and his name is the Great Asoka. He was one of the people who held the torch of Buddhism and was successful in establishing Buddhism in many parts of India. He built many Stupas also especially in the Bihar region and therefore today there one can see some of the beautiful stupas that were constructed to glorify Buddhist teachings. Stupas of Sanchi deserved a special mention for they are breath taking and because of the beautiful stupas, this site has been declared as the one of the World Heritage sites by the UNESCO.
One may wonder what these stupas are because obviously we have only heard about Buddhist monasteries. Well, the stupas are a large dome with a central chamber in the centre. The surrounding rooms are however connected to the main central chamber. This particular area is considered holy for it is here where the relics and the statues of Buddha are kept. These stupas date back to 3rd to 12th century so one can only think the authenticity and richness of the place and these stupas of Sanchi. They give a beautiful visual idea of the age old religion and the traditions and customs linked to it.
Archaeologists and excavators have loved the stupas of Sanchi because these historical figures are such that they take you back the era when the Buddhism was at its peak in India. The gateways of the stupas are most talked about for there are ornamented depictions of the Buddha’s monumental life events. The gateways also depict the previous incarnation of Buddha as the Bodhisattvas. This has also been described in the Jataka tales and when you compare the story and the stone structure depiction, you will find very articulated and interesting similarity. Tourists have loved the way in which Lord Buddha has been depicted in various ways and forms such as tree, water, inanimate forms, etc. there are a certain sect who opposes the human form of Buddha but nevertheless it is still there and people have loved the way it has been made believe into different forms.
The Asoka pillar with four lions that lies up the hill is massive and it has been carved out of a single stone. Looking at it the historians are amazed at what type of technology would have been used to bring that huge piece of stone all the way to the hill. This proves that the technology was way ahead of its time. These are the few things you will notice when you reach there but the emotional sense of peace can only be felt upon reaching there.