Indian and Himalayan Art Votive Stupa Made in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, AsiaPala-Sena Dynasty (750-1100), c. 9th - 10th century Artist/maker unknown, India Schist * Gallery 231, Asian Art, second floor 1921-36-11 Purchased with the George W.B. Taylor Fund, 1921 |
LabelVotive stupas have survived in vast numbers in the Mahabodhi temple compound at Bodhgaya. The form of the stupa, with its distinctive domelike drum, originates in eight cylindrical structures in which the Buddha's relics were placed after his death. The stupa shape has become associated with the Buddhist goal of release from the cycles of suffering and rebirth. In addition to the drum, this stupa has a tiered base and is crowned with a series of stylized umbrellas that symbolize royalty and divine status. Although little is known about the uses of votive shrines and stupas, the larger ones at Bodhgaya were probably given by visiting kings, while smaller stupas such as this one were offered by monks and lay pilgrims.Social Tags [?]bhumisparsa mudra (touching earth) [x] touching earth (bhumisparsa mudra) [x] [Add Your Own Tags]* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
