Stupas in Mahabodhi temple- Bodhgaya

The Mohabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, is not only spiritual place for Buddhist , also an evidence of architecture wonder of Mourya dynasty. Its recognized as World Heritage Monuments in India. Stupas play very important role in Buddhism practice. Stupa in Sanskrit means heap. Some of the  major Stupas in India include, Sanchi Stupa, Mabodhi Stupa of Bodhgaya and  Dhamek Stupa of Sarnat. You can read about the details of Stupa here. The stupas are very significant in Buddhism. Its believed building a stupa is considered extremely beneficial in Buddhism.

 

   The main stupa has a beautiful idol of Buddha, and surrounding the main stupa there are many small stupas. If one goes round the main stupa, can find many devotees  engaged in meditation.

The different kind of the carvings on the stupas, attracted me the most.All the stupas have dome shaped structure with carved idols of Buddha.

This one was near the entrance , you can notice Buddha idols of different shapes on the Stupa.

 This is the closer view of the carvings. Some had carvings of very small idols of Buddha in many rows:

This stupa is in front of the Mahabodhi temple, this is small stupa with Buddha idol carved on it.

There are many such stupas in Mahabodhi temple , each telling story of Buddha and leading his devotees towards peace.

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana

each telling a story about the great Buddha

each telling a story about the great Buddha

Peacock design- carving on Mahabodhi temple

It has been quite sometimes that I had planned to share peacock designs. .  The perfect blend of enchanting colors o the peacock feather, and the pattern have made it used in many forms of arts and crafts.

Image courtesy- Wikipedia

 I had designed a saree using glitter paint  and a dress with peacock design.  I love to work for some more sarees with peacock designs. Almost all forms of Indian arts and crafts are influenced by peacock designs, may be its Rangoli, embroidery designs, jewel designs, mehandi designs, wood work or carvings in temples. Let me start the series of posts on peacock design with this carving on the walls  Mahabodhi temple of Bodhgaya.  

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On the outer walls of Mahabodhi temple  there is carvings of Buddha is different meditation postures. Below that the design of two peacocks heading each other is carved.
In another carving the design is  different , the two peacocks are holding a bead strand together.

Both have very beautiful peacock designs.I'm planning to use in my next project of embroidery. Will share the designs once it is completed. I feel it can be used in Rangolis and paintings too. What do you opine?

I will share many more peacock designs in coming posts, in the section: Mayuri

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana

Ratnachakarma- the carvings in the shape of lotus at Mahabodhi temple

Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya is not only religious place for Boudhas, also an architectural wonder. This is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Its built in Gupta Architecture. There is a main Stupa, which has beautiful Budha idol  and many small viharas.
After enlightenment, Goutam Bhuddha spent seven weeks in meditation here. One of these is,  Ratnachakarma. Budha is said to have walked between Animeshlochana temple and Mahabhodhi tree in meditation.Along the path, where Budha walked,it said that lotus sprung.These lotus shaped , cavred rocks make us to visualize the same :

 On a platform also the lotus flower shape is carved:

This was decorated with flowers, so the carvings cannot be seen properly. This is also called Ratnachakarma or the jewel walk. Soon will write about some more carvings in this temple.

 

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana