Question

How does the Great Stupa at Sanchi, constructed in the late 1st century BCE during the transition from the Maurya to Andhra dynasties, incorporate elements such as Pradakshina (clockwise circumambulation), a reliquary mound with an "anda" or "egg" symbolizing the world egg, the concept of axis mundi, and a mandala motif inspired by the stupa procession, including the svastika shape from an aerial view, to convey aspects of Buddhist philosophy, particularly in expressing the idea of parinirvana or Buddha's super-detachment?

Answer 1

The Great Stupa at Sanchi integrates Buddhist philosophical principles through its circular Pradakshina path, world egg symbolizing anda, and mandala-like design featuring the axis mundi, to express the concept of enlightenment and parinirvana.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Great Stupa at Sanchi, constructed in the late 1st century BCE, is a significant illustration of Buddhist architecture and philosophy. The design of the stupa incorporates the Pradakshina path for circumambulation, which allows devotees to walk around the structure in a clockwise direction, symbolizing the following of the Buddha's path. The anda or 'egg' at the core of the stupa denotes the concept of the world egg, encapsulating the idea of the universe's origin and the cyclical nature of life. The stupa's design, resembling a mandala, represents the universe with the axis mundi, where the central point signifies the connection between the heavens and the earth, echoing the enlightenment of Buddha and his ultimate detachment or parinirvana. These elements are artfully conjoined to convey the essence of Buddhist philosophy, especially the attainment of enlightenment and the release from the cycle of reincarnation.