90-596: Deekshabhoomi , also written as Deeksha Bhoomi , is a sacred monument of Navayana Buddhism located in Nagpur city in the state of Maharashtra in India ; where B. R. Ambedkar with approximately 400,000 of his followers, mainly Dalits , embraced Buddhism on Ashoka Vijaya Dashami on 14 October 1956. Ambedkar played a significant role in the revival of Buddhism in India , and inspired many such mass conversions to Buddhism. Deekshabhoomi
180-702: A Bodhisattva . Among the Jatakas being depicted are the Syama Jataka , the Vessantara Jataka and the Mahakapi Jataka . Numerous miracles made by the Buddha are recorded. Among them: Numerous scene refer to the temptation of the Buddha, when he was confronted with the seductive daughters of Mara and with his army of demons. Having resisted the temptations of Mara, the Buddha finds enlightenment. Other similar scenes on
270-412: A "post-religious religion" which transcends distinctions and as being driven by the "reasonable principle of sociality", not in the sense of spiritual doctrines, philosophical speculations and existentialist questions. According to Blackburn, "neither view of traditional Buddhism — as a social reform movement or as some other stable entity interpreted (or misinterpreted) from a social reform perspective —
360-504: A Buddhist mission, sent probably under the auspices of the Emperor, to Sri Lanka, and that before setting out to the island he visited his mother at Chetiyagiri near Vidisa, thought to be Sanchi. He was lodged there in a sumptuous vihara or monastery, which she herself is said to have had erected. A pillar of finely polished sandstone, one of the Pillars of Ashoka , was also erected on the side of
450-576: A canopy under the bodhi tree at the point of his enlightenment. The human body was thought to be too confining for the Buddha. Similarities have been found in the designs of the capitals of various areas of northern India from the time of Ashoka to the time of the Satavahanas at Sanchi: particularly between the Pataliputra capital at the Mauryan Empire capital of Pataliputra (3rd century BCE),
540-456: A central palmette design. Importantly, recumbent animals (lions, symbols of Buddhism) were added, in the style of the Pillars of Ashoka . The Sanchi pillar capital is keeping the general design, seen at Bharhut a century earlier, of recumbent lions grouped around a central square-section post, with the central design of a flame palmette , which started with the Pataliputra capital. However
630-434: A crowning ornament of four lions, set back to back, the whole finely finished and polished to a remarkable luster from top to bottom. The abacus is adorned with four flame palmette designs separated one from the other by pairs of geese , symbolical perhaps of the flock of the Buddha's disciples. The lions from the summit, though now quite disfigured, still testify to the skills of the sculptors. The sandstone out of which
720-399: A different religion. He chose Buddhism as the only way to end human sufferings . In 1935, during his disagreements with Mahatma Gandhi , Ambedkar announced his intent to convert from Hinduism to Buddhism. Over the next two decades, Ambedkar studied Buddhist texts and wrote The Buddha and His Dhamma which is considered Bible of Buddhism. Dr. Ambedkar gave 22 vows to his followers on
810-543: A different sense, to refer to Westernized forms of Buddhism . Ambedkar didn't called his version of Buddhism " Navayāna " or "Neo-Buddhism". His book, The Buddha and His Dhamma is considered Bible of Buddhism and seems to be an attempt to unite all Buddhist sects. The followers of Navayāna Buddhism are generally called "Buddhists" ( Bauddha ) as well as Ambedkarite Buddhists , and rarely Navayana Buddhists . Almost 90% of Navayāna Buddhists live in Maharashtra . Ambedkar
900-408: A double staircase. A second stone pathway at ground level was enclosed by a stone balustrade. The railings around Stupa 1 do not have artistic reliefs. These are only slabs, with some dedicatory inscriptions. These elements are dated to circa 150 BCE, or 175–125 BCE. Although the railings are made up of stone, they are copied from a wooden prototype, and as John Marshall has observed the joints between
990-473: A few centuries later, the relics would be removed from the eight guardian kingdoms by King Ashoka , and enshrined into 84,000 stupas. Ashoka obtained the ashes from seven of the guardian kingdoms, but failed to take the ashes from the Nagas at Ramagrama who were too powerful, and were able to keep them. This scene is depicted in one of the transversal portions of the southern gateway of Stupa No1 at Sanchi. Ashoka
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#17328594178341080-466: A half months after the Deeksha ceremony. However, this ceremonial conversion continued after his death, converting 15-20 million by March 1959. After his death the 'Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Deekshabhoomi Smarak Samiti' (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Deekshabhoomi Memorial committee) was organized for the management of Deekshabhoomi. The committee decided to build a stupa at the place as a monument of that ceremony and
1170-506: A hemispherical brick structure built over the sacred relics of the Buddha , with a raised terrace encompassing its base, and a railing and stone umbrella on the summit, the chatra , a parasol-like structure symbolizing high rank. The original Stupa only had about half the diameter of today's stupa, which is the result of enlargement by the Sungas . It was covered in brick, in contrast to the stones that now cover it. According to one version of
1260-556: A lion, has disappeared. The Satavahana Empire under Satakarni II conquered eastern Malwa from the Shungas . This gave the Satavahanas access to the Buddhist site of Sanchi, in which they are credited with the building of the decorated gateways around the original Mauryan Empire and Sunga stupas . From the 1st century BCE, the highly decorated gateways were built. The balustrade and
1350-463: A literacy rate of 81.29%, higher than the national average of 72.98%", but it does not distinguish Navayana Buddhists from other Buddhists. When compared to overall literacy rate of Maharashtra state where 80% of Buddhists are found, their literacy rate is 83.17% or slightly higher than statewide average of 82.34%. According to Jean Darian, the conversion to Buddhism and its growth in India has in part been because of non-religious factors, in particular
1440-469: A long time to finish. The stupa was inaugurated on 18 December 2001 by the President of India K. R. Narayanan . It comprises a large two storied hemispherical buildings with gates resembling a Sanchi gate . Five thousand monks can stay in each storey. The design of the stupa at Deekshabhoomi is based on the architecture of the world famous stupa of Sanchi . But unlike the stupa of Sanchi, Deekshabhoomi stupa
1530-522: A mass conversion of people to Buddhism. Arya Bhadant Surai Sasai is the president of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Deekshabhoomi Memorial committee, Nagpur. Deekshabhoomi is spread over four acres of significant land in the city. The stupa was designed by architect Sheo Dan Mal . In 1968, construction started with residential houses for monks, later on P/G College. Construction of the stupa started in July 1978, but it took
1620-478: A prominent central flame palmette , which is the main motif. These are quite similar to Classical Greek designs, and the capital has been described as quasi- Ionic . Greek influence, as well as Persian Achaemenid influence have been suggested. The Sarnath capital is a pillar capital discovered in the archaeological excavations at the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath . The pillar displays Ionic volutes and palmettes . It has been variously dated from
1710-498: A sculpture would often choose their favourite scene from the life of the Buddha and then have their names inscribed on it. This accounts for the random repetition of particular episodes on the stupa. On these stone carvings the Buddha was never depicted as a human figure, due to aniconism in Buddhism . Instead the artists chose to represent him by certain attributes, such as the horse on which he left his father's home, his footprints, or
1800-470: A sect with radically different ideas, but rather as a new social movement founded on the principles of Buddhism . In the Buddhist movement, Navayāna is not considered an independent new branch of Buddhism native to India , distinct from the traditionally recognized branches of Theravāda , Mahāyāna , and Vajrayāna —considered to be foundational in the Buddhist tradition. It radically re-interprets what Buddhism is, re-emphasizing Buddha's engagement with
1890-567: A series of Buddhist monuments starting from the Mauryan Empire period (3rd century BCE), continuing with the Gupta Empire period (5th century CE), and ending around the 12th century CE. It is probably the best preserved group of Buddhist monuments in India. The oldest, and also the largest monument, the Great Stupa also called Stupa No. 1, initially built under the Mauryans, and adorned with one of
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#17328594178341980-457: A view that initially came into vogue during the colonial era. Richard Gombrich adds that Buddha should not be seen as a social reformer: "his concern was to reform individuals and help them leave society forever, not to reform the world... He never preached against social inequality, only declared it's irrelevance to salvation. He never tried to abolish the caste system nor to do away with slavery" Empirical evidence outside of India, such as in
2070-495: Is Saru Maru . Bharhut is 300 km to the northeast. Sanchi Stupa is depicted on the reverse side of the Indian currency note of ₹ 200 to signify its importance to Indian cultural heritage. The nearest airport is Bhopal which is 55km away from it. Trains are available from Bhopal and Habibganj railway station to Sanchi railway station. Buses are available from Bhopal and Vidisha . The monuments at Sanchi today comprise
2160-593: Is "often referred to as their 'bible' and its novel interpretation of the Buddhist path commonly constitutes their only source of knowledge on the subject". Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is regarded as a bodhisattva , the Maitreya , among the Indian Buddhists. In practice, the Navayana followers revere Ambedkar, states Deitrick (2013), as virtually on-par with the Buddha. He is considered as the one prophesied to appear and teach
2250-517: Is a Buddhist complex , famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh , India. It is located, about 23 kilometers from Raisen town , district headquarter and 46 kilometres (29 mi) north-east of Bhopal , capital of Madhya Pradesh . The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India, and an important monument to
2340-457: Is a library and a photo exhibition of the events in the lives of Gautama Buddha and Ambedkar. Above the hall, there is a hollow dome. This dome is surrounded by a veranda. On all four sides, fountains are placed. Above the dome, there is a small slab and a little decorative umbrella. The stupa has doors facing four directions. The doors open in large arcs, which are decorated with Ashok Chakras , and statues of horses, elephants, and lions. Around
2430-521: Is celebrated as Dhammachakra Pravartan Day at Dikshabhoomi, Nagpur: I will accept and follow the teachings of Buddha. I will keep my people away from the different opinions of Hinayana and Mahayana, two religious orders. — B.R. Ambedkar The writings of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar were posthumously published as The Buddha and His Dhamma , and this is the scripture also known as Bible Buddhism bringing all important teaching of Buddha into one book. Among Navayana followers, state Keown & Prebish (2013), this
2520-452: Is completely hollow inside. It is the largest hollow stupa among all Buddhist stupas in the world. The inner circular hall is spread across 4000 square feet with granite, marble and Dholpur sandstone used in its construction. On the ground floor, there is a 211 x 211 feet large square hall. At the center of this hall, an image of Buddha is placed. This image was donated to Deekshabhoomi by Thai students studying at Nagpur University . There
2610-550: Is devotionally worshipped. {{efn|... Ambedkar's re-interpretation of Buddhism and his formulation of Navayana has attracted admirers and criticism. The Navayana theories restate the core doctrines of Buddhism, according to Zelliot & Macy (1980), wherein Ambedkar's "social emphasis exclude[s] or distort some teaching, fundamental to traditional and canonical Buddhism". Anne Blackburn states that Ambedkar re‑interprets core concepts of Buddhism in class conflict terms, where nirvana
2700-556: Is historically accurate", thereby placing Navayana theories to be ahistorical, though it served as an important means for Dalit political mobilization and social movement. Scholars broadly accept that the depictions of the Buddha as a social reformer are inaccurate. Gombrich (2012) states that there is no evidence that the Buddha began or pursued social reforms; rather his aim was the salvation of those who joined his monastic order. Modernist interpreters of Buddhism, states Gombrich, keep picking up this "mistake from western authors",
2790-472: Is in Nagpur , Maharashtra , a location regarded as a sacred place, prernabhoomi (inspiring land) of social revolution being atheist and a preparations for social actions against class conflicts, discrimination, inequality also the first pilgrimage center of Ambedkarite Buddhism in India. Millions of pilgrims visit Deekshabhoomi every year, especially on Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din i.e. Samrat Ashoka vijaya dashmi ("Mass Conversion Ceremony Day") and 14 October,
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2880-513: Is not the aim and end of spiritual pursuits, but a preparation for social action against inequality: Nibbana (Skt. nirvana ) the state or process which describes enlightenment, is considered [by Ambedkar] a precursor for moral action in the world and explicitly associated with a non-monastic lifestyle. Nibbana "means enough control over passion so as to enable one to walk on the path of righteousness". Ambedkar's understanding of dukkha and nibbana implies that moral action, for which nibbana
2970-528: Is preparation, will rectify sufferings of Mankind. Ambedkar considered all ideas in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism that relate to an individual's merit and spiritual development as insertions into Buddhism, and something that "cannot be accepted to be the word of the Buddha". Buddhism, to Ambedkar, must have been a social reform movement. Martin Fuchs states that Ambedkar's effort is to be admired as an attempt to seek
3060-677: Is recorded, in which Heliodorus established the Heliodorus pillar in a dedication to Vāsudeva . This would indicate that relations had improved at that time, and that people traveled between the two realms. Stupa No. 3 was built during the time of the Shungas, who also built the railing around it as well as the staircase. The Relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana , the disciples of the Buddha are said to have been placed in Stupa No. 3, and relics boxes were excavated tending to confirm this. The reliefs on
3150-494: The Constitution of India . He was born in a Dalit (untouchable) family during the colonial era of India , studied abroad, became a Dalit leader, and announced in 1935 his intent to convert from Hinduism to a different religion, an endeavor which took him to study all the major religions of the world in depth, namely Hinduism , Buddhism , Sikhism , Christianity , and Islam , for nearly 21 years. Thereafter, Ambedkar studied
3240-682: The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya . During the later rule of the Shunga, the stupa was expanded with stone slabs to almost twice its original size. The dome was flattened near the top and crowned by three superimposed parasols within a square railing. With its many tiers it was a symbol of the dharma , the Wheel of the Law. The dome was set on a high circular drum meant for circumambulation , which could be accessed via
3330-498: The Mahavamsa , the Buddhist chronicle of Sri Lanka , Ashoka was closely connected to the region of Sanchi. When he was heir-apparent and was journeying as Viceroy to Ujjain , he is said to have halted at Vidisha (10 kilometers from Sanchi), and there married the daughter of a local banker. She was called Devi and later gave Ashoka two sons, Ujjeniya and Mahendra , and a daughter Sanghamitta . After Ashoka's accession, Mahendra headed
3420-419: The Pillars of Ashoka . During the following centuries, especially under the Shungas and the Satavahanas , the Great Stupa was enlarged and decorated with gates and railings, and smaller stupas were also built in the vicinity, especially Stupa No.2 , and Stupa No.3. Simultaneously, various temple structures were also built, down to the Gupta Empire period and later. Altogether, Sanchi encompasses most of
3510-406: The dhamma after it was forgotten; his iconography is a part of Indian Buddhist shrines and he is shown with a halo. Though Ambedkar states He is an ordinary man still Indian Buddhist shrines features images of the Ambedkar along with Buddha, and the followers bow and offer prayers before them in practice. According to Junghare (1988), for the followers of Navayana, Ambedkar has become a deity and
3600-583: The sacred texts of Buddhism and found that maitri (loving kindness) & karuna(compassion) aren't practiced in all corners of life by Buddhists so he re-emphasized these teachings into what is called "New Vehicle" Buddhism, or Navayāna Ambedkar never used this term himself. It was labelled on him by people after his death. Ambedkar heldHinduism conference on 13 October 1956, announcing his rejection of hinduism. Thereafter, he left Hinduism and adopted Buddhism as his religious faith, about six weeks before his death. Its adherents see Navayāna Buddhism not as
3690-483: The 'ground'. Deekshabhoomi means the ground where people got ordained as Buddhist . This religious mass conversion at one place was the first ever of its kind in history. Deekshabhoomi is one of two places of considered to be of great importance in the life of Ambedkar, the other being Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai . Dr. Ambedkar had declared in 1935 that although he was born as a Hindu , he would not die as one, as conversion
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3780-553: The 11th century. Sanchi is the center of a region with a number of stupas, all within a few miles of Sanchi, including Satdhara (9 km to the W of Sanchi, 40 stupas, the Relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana , now enshrined in the new Vihara, were unearthed there), Bhojpur (also called Morel Khurd, a fortified hilltop with 60 stupas) and Andher (respectively 11 km and 17 km SE of Sanchi), as well as Sonari (10 km SW of Sanchi). Further south, about 100 km away,
3870-511: The 1st century CE, and the builder of the earliest gateways is generally considered to be Satakarni II , who ruled in 50-25 BCE. Another early Satavahana monument is known, Cave No.19 of king Kanha (100-70 BCE) at the Nasik Caves , which is much less developed artistically than the Sanchi toranas. Although made of stone, the torana gateways were carved and constructed in the manner of wood and
3960-413: The 2nd century BCE. In the 7th or 8th century a small shrine was established in one corner of the platform, re-using some of the pillars and putting them in their present position. On the basis of Ashokavadana , it is presumed that the stupa may have been vandalized at one point sometime in the 2nd century BCE, an event some have related to the rise of the Shunga emperor Pushyamitra Shunga who overtook
4050-566: The 3rd century BCE during the Mauryan Empire period, to the 1st century BCE, during the Sunga Empire period. One of the faces shows a galopping horse carrying a rider, while the other face shows an elephant and its mahaut . The pillar capital in Bharhut, dated to the 2nd century BCE during the Sunga Empire period, also incorporates many of these characteristics, with a central anta capital with many rosettes , beads-and-reels , as well as
4140-466: The 3rd century BCE, is the so-called Temple 40 , one of the first instances of free-standing temples in India. Temple 40 has remains of three different periods, the earliest period dating to the Maurya age, which probably makes it contemporary to the creation of the Great Stupa. An inscription even suggests it might have been established by Bindusara , the father of Ashoka. The original 3rd century BCE temple
4230-607: The Bodhi Tree at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka . Bhadant Anand Kausalyayan brought these branches from Sri Lanka as a memorial of Buddha's enlightenment. Deeksha Bhoomi hosts a memorial to Ambedkar and has been graded an A-class tourism and pilgrimage site by the Government of Maharashtra . Deekshabhoomi is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is one of the main centers of tourism in India . Every year, thousands of tourists visit Deekshabhoomi, especially on
4320-457: The Buddha philosophy as he theologizes his own political views". According to the 2011 Census of India there are 8.4 million Buddhists in India. Navayana Buddhists comprise about 87% (7.3 million) of the Indian Buddhist community, with nearly 90% (6.5 million) of all Navayana Buddhists in India living in Maharashtra state. A 2017 IndiaSpend.com report on census data says "Buddhists have
4410-435: The Great Stupa (Stupa No 1). The reliefs are dated to circa 115 BCE for the medallions, and 80 BCE for the pillar carvings, slightly before the reliefs of Bharhut for the earliest, with some reworks down to the 1st century CE. Stupa No. 2 was established later than the Great Stupa, but it is probably displaying the earliest architectural ornaments. For the first time, clearly Buddhist themes are represented, particularly
4500-504: The Gupta period. The Ashokan inscription is engraved in early Brahmi characters. It is unfortunately much damaged, but the commands it contains appear to be the same as those recorded in the Sarnath and Kausambi edicts, which together form the three known instances of Ashoka's "Schism Edict". It relates to the penalties for schism in the Buddhist sangha: ... the path is prescribed both for
4590-549: The Mauryan Empire as an army general. It has been suggested that Pushyamitra may have destroyed the original stupa, and his son Agnimitra rebuilt it. The original brick stupa was covered with stone during the Shunga period. Given the rather decentralized and fragmentary nature of the Shunga state , with many cities actually issuing their own coinage, as well as the relative dislike of the Shungas for Buddhism, some authors argue that
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#17328594178344680-694: The Theravada Buddhist monasteries of the Sinhalese society, suggests that class ideas have been prevalent among the sangha monks, and between the Buddhist monks and the laity. In all canonical Buddhist texts, the khattiyas (warrior class) are always mentioned first and never other classes such as brahmans , vessas , suddas . The novel interpretations and the dismissal of mainstream doctrines of Buddhism by Ambedkar as he formulated Navayana has led some to suggest that Navayana may more properly be called Ambedkarism. However, Ambedkar did not consider himself as
4770-527: The ambassador to the Indo-Greek king Antialkidas , in nearby Vidisha c. 100 BCE . That it belongs to about the period of the Sunga, is clear alike from its design and from the character of the surface dressing. The height of the pillar, including the capital, is 15 ft, its diameter at the base 1 ft. 4 in. Up to a height of 4 ft. 6 in. the shaft is octagonal ; above that, sixteen-sided. In
4860-559: The anniversary of the conversion ceremony. On Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din, thousands of compact cassettes of Ambedkar, Ambedkar movement and Buddha songs are sold at Deekshabhoomi. The books of few crore rupees in different languages are sold in a single day, this makes Deekshabhoomi a unique place in the world. Foreign tourists come mainly from the Buddhist countries such as Japan and Thailand . Navayana Navayāna ( Devanagari : नवयान, IAST : Navayāna , meaning " New Vehicle "), otherwise known as Navayāna Buddhism , refers to
4950-455: The carving". The reliefs show scenes from the life of the Buddha integrated with everyday events that would be familiar to the onlookers and so make it easier for them to understand the Buddhist creed as relevant to their lives. At Sanchi and most other stupas the local population donated money for the embellishment of the stupa to attain spiritual merit. There was no direct royal patronage. Devotees, both men and women, who donated money towards
5040-458: The ceremony. On 14 October 1956, Dr. Ambedkar and his wife took the oath of Three Jewels and Five Precepts from the Burmese monk Mahasthavir Chandramani from Kushinagar . Dr. Ambedkar then gave the oath of Three Jewels , Five Precepts, and 22 Vows to thousands of his followers. In this way, Nagpur became the birthplace of Neo Buddhist movement . Dr. Ambedkar died on 6 December 1956, one and
5130-469: The constructions of that period in Sanchi cannot really be called "Shunga". They were not the result of royal sponsorship, in contrast with what happened during the Mauryas, and the dedications at Sanchi were private or collective, rather than the result of royal patronage. The style of the Shunga period decorations at Sanchi bear a close similarity to those of Bharhut , as well as the peripheral balustrades at
5220-640: The coping stones have been cut at a slant, as wood is naturally cut, and not vertically as stone should be cut. Besides the short records of the donors written on the railings in Brahmi script, there are two later inscriptions on the railings added during the time of the Gupta Period. Some reliefs are visible on the stairway balustrade, but they are probably slightly later than those at Stupa No2, and are dated to 125–100 BCE. Some authors consider that these reliefs, rather crude and without obvious Buddhist connotations, are
5310-667: The day of mass conversion to Buddhism. Only the first 4 are highlighted by political minded people but they contain the essence of Buddhist practice if one reads to the end will understand that it contains the essence of Buddhism. The vows are as follows: 1. I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, nor shall I worship them. 2. I shall have no faith in Rama and Krishna, nor shall I worship them. 3. I shall have no faith in ‘Gouri’, ‘Ganpathi’ and other Gods and Goddesses of Hindu religion, nor shall I worship them. 4. I do not believe in
5400-401: The design of the central post is now simpler, with the flame palmette taking all the available room. Elephants were later used to adorn the pillar capitals (still with the central palmette design), and lastly, Yakshas (here the palmette design disappears). Various Jatakas are illustrated. These are Buddhist moral tales relating edifying events of the former lives of the Buddha as he was still
5490-503: The evolutions of ancient Indian architecture and ancient Buddhist architecture in India, from the early stages of Buddhism and its first artistic expression, to the decline of the religion in the subcontinent . The "Great Stupa" at Sanchi is the oldest structure and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was
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#17328594178345580-711: The four events in the life of the Buddha that are: the Nativity, the Enlightenment, the First Sermon and the Decease. The decorations of Stupa No. 2 have been called "the oldest extensive stupa decoration in existence", and this Stupa is considered as the birthplace of Jataka illustrations. The reliefs at Stupa No.2 bear mason marks in Kharoshthi , as opposed to the local Brahmi script. This seems to imply that foreign workers from
5670-634: The gateways were also colored. Later gateways/toranas are generally dated to the 1st century CE. The Siri-Satakani inscription in the Brahmi script records the gift of one of the top architraves of the Southern Gateway by the artisans of the Satavahana king Satakarni II : 𑀭𑀸𑀜𑁄 𑀲𑀺𑀭𑀺 𑀲𑀸𑀢𑀓𑀡𑀺𑀲 (Rāño Siri Sātakaṇisa) 𑀆𑀯𑁂𑀲𑀡𑀺𑀲 𑀯𑀸𑀲𑀺𑀣𑀻𑀧𑀼𑀢𑀲 (āvesaṇisa vāsitḥīputasa) 𑀆𑀦𑀁𑀤𑀲 𑀤𑀸𑀦𑀁 (Ānaṁdasa dānaṁ) "Gift of Ananda,
5760-543: The gateways were covered with narrative sculptures. It has also been suggested that the stone reliefs were made by ivory carvers from nearby Vidisha , and an inscription on the Southern Gateway of the Great Stupa (" The Worship of the Bodhisattva's hair ") was dedicated by the Guild of Ivory Carvers of Vidisha . The inscription reads: " Vedisakehi damtakārehi rupakammam katam " meaning "The ivory-workers from Vidisha have done
5850-505: The great Indian Buddhist Monarch and the day is celebrated as Ashok Vijaya Dashmi. He selected Nagpur for his conversion ceremony, as he explained in his speech at that occasion, because Nagpur was the homeland of 'Nag' people who embraced Buddhism, supported it with great efforts in its early period, and propagated it throughout India . Ground near the Ramdaspeth area in Nagpur was selected for
5940-498: The historical architecture of India . It was originally commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha . It was crowned by the chatra , a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. The original construction work of this stupa
6030-459: The main Torana gateway. The bottom part of the pillar still stands. The upper parts of the pillar are at the nearby Sanchi Archaeological Museum . The capital consists in four lions, which probably supported a Wheel of Law , as also suggested by later illustrations among the Sanchi reliefs . The pillar has an Ashokan inscription ( Schism Edict ) and an inscription in the ornamental Sankha Lipi from
6120-536: The memorial day when B.R.Ambedkar embraced and converted to Buddhism here. His final religious act was to embrace Buddhism and envisioned making India The Buddhist nation a prabuddha Bharat Today, the largest stupa in the world is erected in his memory at the site. Nagbhumi, which is ancient place region where majority peoples of clan Nagvanshi survived and strongly followed Buddhas teachings now in Maharashtra state of democratic republic nation India . Deeksha literally means 'act of ordaining' and bhoomi means
6210-692: The monks and for the nuns. As long as (my) sons and great-grandsons (shall reign; and) as long as the Moon and the Sun (shall endure), the monk or nun who shall cause divisions in the Sangha , shall be compelled to put on white robes and to reside apart. For what is my desire? That the Sangha may be united and may long endure. The pillar, when intact, was about 42 feet in height and consisted of round and slightly tapering monolithic shaft, with bell-shaped capital surmounted by an abacus and
6300-613: The noble eightfold path taught by Buddha Ambedkar re-emphasized Buddhist principles to address modern issues. Navayana dhamma doctrine as propounded by Ambedkar, states Sumant (2004), "does not situate morality in a transcendental [religious] domain", nor in "a civil association, including the state". Dhamma is derived from and the guiding principle for social conscience. Navayana Buddhism began in 1956, when Bhimrao R. Ambedkar adopted it, and 380,000 Dalit community members converted to Buddhism from Hinduism on 14 and 15 October 1956. After that on every year 14 October
6390-420: The north-west (from the region of Gandhara , where Kharoshthi was the current script) were responsible for the motifs and figures that can be found on the railings of the stupa. Foreigners from Gandhara are otherwise known to have visited the region around the same time: in 115 BCE, the embassy of Heliodorus from Indo-Greek king Antialkidas to the court of the Sungas king Bhagabhadra in nearby Vidisha
6480-403: The octagonal portion all the facets are flat, but in the upper section the alternate facets are fluted, the eight other sides being produced by a concave chamfering of the arrises of the octagon . This method of finishing off the arris at the point of transition between the two sections are features characteristic of the second and first centuries BCE. The west side of the shaft is split off, but
6570-521: The oldest reliefs of all Sanchi, slightly older even than the reliefs of Sanchi Stupa No.2 . Stairway balustrade reliefs The stupas which seem to have been commissioned during the rule of the Shungas are the Second and then the Third stupas (but not the highly decorated gateways, which are from the following Satavahana period, as known from inscriptions), following the ground balustrade and stone casing of
6660-528: The originator of a new Buddhism, but stated that he was merely reviving what was original Buddhism after centuries of "misguided interpretation" by wrong headed Buddhist monks. Others, states Skaria, consider Ambedkar attempting a synthesis of the ideas of modern Karl Marx into the structure of ideas by the ancient Buddha, as Ambedkar worked on essays on both in the final years of his life. According to Janet Contursi, Ambedkar re-interprets Buddhist religion and with Navayana "speaks through Gautama and politicizes
6750-475: The pillar capitals at the Sunga Empire Buddhist complex of Bharhut (2nd century BCE), and the pillar capitals of the Satavahanas at Sanchi (1st centuries BCE/CE). The earliest known example in India, the Pataliputra capital (3rd century BCE) is decorated with rows of repeating rosettes , ovolos and bead and reel mouldings, wave-like scrolls and side volutes with central rosettes , around
6840-463: The pillar is carved came from the quarries of Chunar several hundred miles away, implying that the builders were able to transport a block of stone over forty feet in length and weighing almost as many tons over such a distance. They probably used water transport, using rafts during the rainy season up until the Ganges, Jumna and Betwa rivers. Another structure which has been dated, at least partially, to
6930-498: The political and economic needs of the community as well as the needs of the political leaders and the expanding administrative structure in India. According to Trevor Ling and Steven Axelrod, the intellectual and political side of Navayana Buddhist movement lost traction after the death of Ambedkar. Major festivals among Navayana Buddhists are: Sanchi 23°28′45″N 77°44′23″E / 23.479223°N 77.739683°E / 23.479223; 77.739683 Sanchi Stupa
7020-466: The railings are said to be slightly later than those of Stupa No. 2. The single torana gateway oriented to the south is not Shunga, and was built later under the Satavahanas , probably circa 50 BCE. Pillar 25 at Sanchi is also attributed to the Sungas, in the 2nd–1st century BCE, and is considered as similar in design to the Heliodorus pillar , locally called Kham Baba pillar, dedicated by Heliodorus ,
7110-557: The same subject: The southern gate of Stupa No1, thought to be oldest and main entrance to the stupa, has several depictions of the story of the Buddha's relics, starting with the War over the Relics. After the death of the Buddha, the Mallakas of Kushinagar wanted to keep his ashes, but the other kingdoms also wanting their part went to war and besieged the city of Kushinagar. Finally, an agreement
7200-515: The socially engaged form of Buddhism founded and developed by the Indian jurist, social reformer, and scholar B. R. Ambedkar ; it is otherwise called Neo-Buddhism and Ambedkarite Buddhism It is not any new sect, it is rather application of Buddhist principles for the welfare of many. B. R. Ambedkar was an Indian lawyer , politician , and scholar of Buddhism , and the Drafting Chairman of
7290-531: The son of Vasithi, the foreman of the artisans of rajan Siri Satakarni" There are some uncertainties about the date and the identity of the Satakarni in question, as a king Satakarni is mentioned in the Hathigumpha inscription which is sometimes dated to the 2nd century BCE. Also, several Satavahana kings used the name "Satakarni", which complicates the matter. Usual dates given for the gateways range from 50 BCE to
7380-568: The stupa, there is a garden that is maintained by the Nagpur Improvement Trust . Statues of Ambedkar and images of Gautama Buddha are in front of the stupa. In front of the stupa, on the right hand side, there is a Buddha Vihara with a bronze image of Buddha. Besides the Vihara, there is the Bodhi Tree : a sacred fig tree. This Bodhi Tree was planted at Deekshabhoomi from three branches of
7470-413: The tenon at the top, to which the capital was mortised, is still preserved. The capital is of the usual bell-shaped Persepolitan type, with lotus leaves falling over the shoulder of the bell. Above this is a circular cable necking, then a second circular necking relieved by a bead and lozenge pattern, and, finally, a deep square abacus adorned with a railing in relief. The crowning feature, probably
7560-482: The theory of incarnation of Gods. 5. I do not and shall not believe that the Lord Buddha was the incarnation of Vishnu. I believe this to be, mischievous and false propaganda. 6. I shall not perform ‘Shraaddha’ nor, shall I give ‘pinddan’. 8. I shall not perform any ceremony through Hindu priests (brahmins). 9. I believe in equality of mankind. 10. I shall endeavour to establish equality 11. I shall follow
7650-404: The world as a guide and well wishers of human beings. Dr. Ambedkar emphasized on applying buddhist teachings. (Kind of engaged Buddhism). Ambedkar looked at Buddhism to be a better alternative then Marxism or Communism, taking into account modern problems. While the term Navayāna is most commonly used in reference to the movement that Ambedkar founded in India, it is also (more rarely) used in
7740-509: Was an Indian leader influential during the colonial era and the early post-independence period of India. He was the fourteenth child in an impoverished Maharashtra Schedule caste family, who studied abroad, returned to India in the 1920s and joined the political movement. His focus was social and political rights for the Depressed class community. To free his community from religious prejudice, he concluded that they must leave Hinduism and convert to
7830-414: Was built on a high rectangular stone platform, 26.52×14×3.35 metres, with two flights of stairs to the east and the west. It was an apsidal hall, probably made of timber. It was burnt down sometime in the 2nd century BCE. Later, the platform was enlarged to 41.76×27.74 metres and re-used to erect a pillared hall with fifty columns (5×10) of which stumps remain. Some of these pillars have inscriptions of
7920-466: Was overseen by Ashoka, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant of nearby Vidisha . Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding. In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added. The stupa at Sanchi built during the Mauryan period was made of bricks. The composite flourished until
8010-431: Was reached, and the Buddha's cremation relics were divided among 8 royal families and his disciples. This famous view shows warfare techniques at the time of the Satavahanas, as well as a view of the city of Kushinagar of the Mallakas , which has been relied on for the understanding of ancient Indian cities. Other narrative panels related to the War over the Buddha's Relics at Sanchi are: According to Buddhist legend,
8100-429: Was the solution to abandon the caste system . After this declaration and having extensively and exhaustively studied the doctrines of all the major world religions, Dr. Ambedkar would choose Buddhism for himself and his followers. Buddhism was 2,550 years old in 1956, so it was a notable year of celebration for the Buddhist religious world globally and 14 October was the traditional date of conversion of Emperor Ashoka ,
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