The Architectural Design of the Buddhist Temples in Ayutthaya
Focusing on Chedi
Definition
- The Chedi is also called the 'Stupa' or Pagoda; it is the most important and sacred structure of the temple, as it usually contains the relics of Buddha, or to enshrine the cremated remains of Kings or important Monks.
- The word 'Stupa' is said to have been derived from the Sanskrit root 'Stu' meaning 'to worship' or 'to praise'.
- It is the domed solid structure which develops the nucleus of Buddhist faith and worship.
- As Buddhism was introduced in many different regions, the basic architectural features of stupas were transformed into variety of shapes. it usually reflects the artistic expressions of those culture.
Origins
- It is originated from India as the earliest archaeological evidence for the presence of stupas in North India dates to the late 4th century BCE.
- The stupas is not unique to Buddhism culture as they were practiced in Indian traditions pre-dating the emergence of Buddhism.
- An ancient Buddhist text called the Mahaparinirvana Sutra claims that after the Buddha passed away, his followers divided his cremated remains into eight portions.
- Each of the eight kingdoms in which the Buddha had lived received one portion of the relics, and a stupa was erected in each kingdom in order to house the remains.
- But the Buddhist sources exclaim that during the 3rd century BCE, the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka the Great ordered these eight stupas to be opened, so that the relics could be distributed into 84,000 portions, and had stupas built over them all over.
- This leaded to the spread of Buddhism as they expanded drastically, and the importance of the stupa gradually increased during the time of Ashoka.
- Stupas then became a symbol not only of Buddhism itself but also an architectural testimony to expansion and strength.
Example on one of the Oldest Stone structure: The Sanchi Stupa (Great Stupa)
It is built by Emperor Ashoka to honour Lord Buddha, it is located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was originally built in the 3rd century BCE, an dit beloved to house the ashes of the Buddha.
Example on one of the Temples in Ayutthaya: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
- This temple has the tallest Chedi (pagoda or stupa) in Ayutthaya.
- Simply put the Thai history is divided into three periods: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Rathankosin (precent) periods.
- It has a bell shaped Chedi on top of octagon, which is specific to Sukhothai to Mid-Ayutthaya period.
- The Sukhothai period is when the Buddhism first came to the country through Sri Lanka missionaries.
Sources
Images - Google Images
The architectural design and buildings are indeed very unique. The buildings were built and inspired by the foreign and their local cultures, throughout many dynasties. Hope that can inspired you on your design creations. :)
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