Votive stupa showing life scenes of Gotama Buddha

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Time period
Ca. 10th Century CE; Pala

Location found
Nalanda, Bihar

Dimension
H:20, W:30 cm

Material
Bronze

Number Assigned
Accession No. 49.129
National Museum, Delhi

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This votive stupa features an intricate chattravali and dome, supported by an octagonal drum on a square pedestal. Its eight panels display foliate niches illustrating key scenes from the life of Sakyamuni Buddha, accompanied by celestial Buddhas at the corners. The square base has steps and seated Bodhisattvas with unique attributes. By this time, the connection between the historical and celestial Buddhas was well established. These small stupas housed the ashes of deceased monks, linking them to Buddha Shakyamuni and supporting their rebirth in a pure land.

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