Buddhist Stupa at Khondalite

News Highlight

The Archaeological Survey of India stumbles upon a 1,300-year-old Buddhist Stupa at Odisha’s Khondalite stone mining site.

Key Takeaway

• The state-run Odisha Mining Corporation was digging Khondalite stones for the ambitious 3,000-crore project to turn Puri into a world heritage city.

Stupa

• About
  • The stupa is a Sanskrit word for a heap.
  • It began as a modest semicircular earthen mound, later named Anda. 
  • With the passage of time and the inclusion of artwork, it gradually evolved and became a more sophisticated structure.
  • Stupas were constructed in sacred locations. 
  • Holy because they were associated with Buddha’s life. 
  • Relics of the Buddha, such as his bodily remains or things he used, were buried behind these mounds, referred to as stupas.
  • Furthermore, stupa construction may have been pre-Buddhist, but it became connected with Buddhism.

How were stupas built?

• The inscriptions on the railings and pillars of these stupas indicate that donations were given for their construction and decoration.
• Rulers, such as The Satavahanas, provided some donations; 
  • Others were made by guilds, such as the ivory craftsmen, who funded a portion of one of Sanchi’s entrances.
• Hundreds made contributions of women and men, whose names were also mentioned in these Inscriptions.
  • Sometimes, together with the name of where they came from.
  • As well as their occupations and relatives’ names.
• Furthermore, Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis also contributed to the construction of these stupas.

Sanchi Stupa

• About
  • The Sanchi Stupa is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It is one of the world’s most essential and well-preserved Buddhist structures, dating back to the third century BCE.
  • Its huge hemispherical dome and elaborate carvings depict scenes from Buddha’s life.
  • Its fine stone gateways, called “toranas,” as well as its exquisite stone gateways, make it a true architectural masterpiece.
  • Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing India’s rich cultural legacy.
  • In addition, visitors from all over the world come to admire its ageless beauty and historical significance.

Barhut Stupa

• About
  • The Bharhut Stupa was constructed in the second century BCE.
  • It is an old Indian Buddhist monument with elaborate carvings and sculptures illustrating stories from the Buddha’s life.
  • This magnificent stupa can be found in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Furthermore, it is a monument to ancient India’s creative and architectural prowess, and it continues to attract visitors with its beauty and rich cultural legacy.

Puri Heritage Corridor Project

• Overview
  • It is an Odisha government rehabilitation project in Puri to build an international heritage site.
  • It includes the Jagannath temple. 
  • Although conceived in 2016, it was not revealed until December 2019.
  • The Shree Jagannatha Heritage Corridor (SJHC) or the Shree Mandira Parikrama Project, for renovating the region around the temple, falls under the umbrella project.
  • The project involves redeveloping the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) building, a 600-capacity Srimandir reception centre, Puri Lake, and a Musa River revitalisation plan.
  • In addition, the Odisha government has identified three goals for the renovation of the region surrounding the temple;
    • Temple security, devotee safety, and the establishment of a holy atmosphere for devotees.
  • Furthermore, the government funded the project’s Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture in Puri (ABADHA) scheme.

Jagannath Temple

• King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty is thought to have built the temple in the 12th century.
• Additionally, the Jagannath Puri temple is known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha‘.
• According to Hindu beliefs, the presence of Lord Jagannath has neutralised the power of ‘Yama,’ the god of death.
• This temple is known as the “White Pagoda,” It is included in Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
• There are four gates to the temple- Eastern ‘Singhdwara‘, the main gate with two crouching lions, Southern ‘Ashwadwara‘, Western ‘Vyaghra Dwara and Northern ‘Hastidwara‘. 
• Furthermore, each gate has a carving of one of the forms.
• The temple is thought to have been built in the 12th century by King An.
• The Aruna stambha, or sun pillar, initially at the Sun Temple at Konark, sits in front of the entryway.

Pic Courtesy: The Hindu

Content Source: The Hindu

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