Consider the following1. Sanchi Stupa symbolises Mahaparinirvana in B...
Statement 1 is correct: Stupa is a form of architecture having a hemispherical dome. After Parinirvana the remains of Buddha were cremated and ashes were buried under eight mounds. According to the Buddhist tradition, Ashoka recollected the relics of Buddha from previously existing stupas and distributed the relics across thousands of Stupas. The Great Stupa (also called stupa no. 1) at Sanchi was originally built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is believed to house the ashes of the Buddha.
Statement 2 is correct: The Chaukhandi Stupa is called so because of its four armed plan. It is a Gupta age structure and it symbolizes the site where Lord Buddha, while returning from Bodh Gaya was reunited with his five disciples whom he previously left at Rajgir. The Archaeological Survey of India has recently declared it as a protected area of national importance.
Statement 3 is correct: Torana is an ornamental gateway found in the premise of religious buildings. Jataka tales have been found engraved on Torana and the Anda. The Torana of Sanchi is a structure dating back to the Mauryans. It is an imitation of the Timber construction of those days. The Dome shaped Anda symbolizes the mound of dirt used to cover Buddha’s remains. Over a period of time Dome has become the home of gods at the centre of the universe.
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Consider the following1. Sanchi Stupa symbolises Mahaparinirvana in B...
The correct answer is option 'D', which means all the statements are correct. Let's understand each statement in detail:
1. Sanchi Stupa symbolizes Mahaparinirvana in Buddhism:
- Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Buddhist stupas in India. It is located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
- The stupa was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to honor and enshrine the relics of Lord Buddha. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
- The stupa symbolizes the Mahaparinirvana, which refers to the final nirvana or enlightenment attained by Buddha at the time of his death. It represents the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
2. Chaukhandi Stupa marks the place where Buddha met his five disciples:
- Chaukhandi Stupa is located in Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- It is an important Buddhist monument that marks the spot where Lord Buddha met his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
- The stupa was originally built as a terraced temple during the Gupta period (4th-6th century CE) and later modified with Islamic influence during the Mughal period.
- It is believed that Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the "Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta" or "Turning the Wheel of Dharma," to his disciples at this location.
3. Jataka tales have been engraved on the Torana dwars and the anda (dome) of Sanchi Stupas:
- Jataka tales are a collection of stories that depict the previous lives of Gautama Buddha before he attained enlightenment.
- These tales are considered important for moral and ethical teachings in Buddhism.
- The Sanchi Stupas, including the toranas (gateways) and the anda (dome), have intricate stone carvings depicting various scenes from the Jataka tales.
- These carvings not only serve as decorative elements but also convey the Buddhist teachings and moral values to the visitors.
In conclusion, all the given statements are correct. Sanchi Stupa represents Mahaparinirvana, Chaukhandi Stupa marks the place of Buddha's meeting with his disciples, and Jataka tales are engraved on the Sanchi Stupas. These facts highlight the historical and cultural significance of these Buddhist monuments in India.
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