Bharhut Stupa Relief

Description

This relief from the Bharhut Stupa, likely from one of the red sandstone railing pillars around the stupa mound, depicts one of the most important sites in Buddhism- the Mahabodhi Temple. This temple in Bodh Gaya marks the site where Prince Siddhartha meditated and achieved Enlightenment, thus becoming the Enlightened One (the Buddha). The religious significance of the site can be surmised from the depictions on the relief panel- showing devotees flocking around the great bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditated. A great detail of decoration is also visible- with Asokan pillars (with the elephant capital) and railings erected around the tree, along with the temple canopy. Notably from the aniconic phase of Buddhist iconography, this panel likely formed part of a larger relief narrating the Buddha's life story at the stupa. The seat under the bodhi tree, thus, becomes a symbol representing the Buddha himself. Icons such as the triratna are also present above the seat, indicating the holiness of the site. One sees prostrating devotees and attendants flanking the site, with devotees herding outside the railing. Musicians and attendants are also shown at the top, playing fanfare to exalt further the hallowed nature of the site.