Bharhut: Paying Respect to a Stupa

INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Bharhut

This is one of the simpler representations of the stupa worship theme at Bharhut and gives little idea of what stupa devotion ceremonies may have involved. The stupa is depicted as a cylindrical base enclosed by railings from which rises a drum that supports a flower-decorated dome. On top of the dome is the harmika platform, which serves as a pedestal for the parasol. Flowers grow out of the stupa body and are flanked by attendants standing on either side with palms joined in reverence. Their garments include ornate turbans, jewelry and stoles that fall loosely over the arms and a skirt secured by a tie, which is most likely a version of aristocratic fashion during the Sunga period (circa 185–75 BCE).