The Dharmarajika Stupa and Its Relics

Abstract

The Dharmarajika Stupa, constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, represents a significant Buddhist architectural landmark in ancient India. This paper examines its historical, architectural, and religious importance, tracing its origins, destruction, 20th-century rediscovery, and enduring influence on Buddhist culture. Specific attention is given to Emperor Ashoka's patronage of Buddhism, the stupa's function as a repository for Buddha's relics, and the contemporary significance of its preservation efforts.

Keywords: 

-Dharmarajika Stupa, Emperor Ashoka, Buddhism, relics, historical significance, architectural heritage

1. Introduction

Initially constructed by Emperor Ashoka and subsequently restored by Emperor Kanishka, the Dharmarajika Stupa holds immense historical and religious significance within Buddhism. A pivotal pilgrimage site, it housed sacred relics of the Buddha. This section details its early 20th-century rediscovery, the discovery of a sacred tooth relic, and ongoing preservation initiatives emphasizing their cultural and religious importance.

2. Emperor Kanishka's Restoration of the Stupa

While originally built under Emperor Ashoka's direction, the Dharmarajika Stupa underwent preservation and restoration by Emperor Kanishka, a prominent figure in Buddhist history who ruled over a vast empire encompassing Central Asia and northern India. A devout patron of Buddhism, Kanishka oversaw the restoration of numerous stupas and monasteries damaged during prior invasions.

Kanishka's restoration encompassed architectural and spiritual enhancements, most notably the encasement of the Buddha's sacred relics, including a tooth relic, within a golden casket as a testament to reverence. This act not only safeguarded the relics but also reinforced the stupa's central role within the region's religious landscape, solidifying Kanishka's legacy as a significant Buddhist emperor.

3. Looting, Destruction, and Rediscovery by Sir John Marshall

Prior to its rediscovery, the Dharmarajika Stupa faced considerable adversity, including looting and destruction during invasions by the White Huns, which resulted in the desecration of numerous Buddhist sites in northern India. The stupa suffered substantial damage, leading to the loss or destruction of many relics.

In 1913, Sir John Marshall, leading the Archaeological Survey of India, excavated the site, unearthing invaluable artifacts, including a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. This rediscovery revitalized interest in the stupa and illuminated its role in the efforts of both Ashoka and Kanishka to preserve and venerate the Buddha's relics.

Marshall's excavation revealed a golden casket inscribed with Kharosthi script, confirming the relic's authenticity. However, the excavation also presented challenges, including damage to the casket and relic due to an archaeologist's negligence, underscoring the complexities inherent in preserving fragile artifacts.

4. The Sacred Tooth Relic and Its Cultural Significance

The sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, recovered from the Dharmarajika Stupa, has long held reverence as a symbol of spiritual authority. According to Buddhist tradition, relics, particularly the Buddha's tooth, embody His spiritual presence and possess immense religious power. The veneration of these relics became central to Buddhism, with stupas constructed around them serving as places of worship and pilgrimage.

The Dharmarajika Stupa's role in housing the sacred tooth strengthens the connection between the Buddha and His followers. In early Buddhist communities, relics were considered direct links to the Buddha's enlightenment, with pilgrims seeking spiritual merit through their veneration.

The tooth relic also symbolized political and religious legitimacy. During Ashoka's reign, rulers possessing the relic were believed to possess divine right to rule, making it a powerful political instrument and emphasizing the stupa's importance in both religious and secular life.

5. Modern Ceremonial Reverence: The 2016 Sacred Tooth Relic Procession

In 2016, the sacred tooth relic was transported from the Dharmarajika Stupa to Sri Lanka for a month-long period of veneration. The relic was displayed at prominent temples in Polonnaruwa, Colombo, Kandy, and Anuradhapura, attracting millions of Buddhists who participated in prayers and rituals.

The procession attracted approximately 9.3 million participants, reaffirming the cultural and religious significance of the Dharmarajika Stupa and its relics. The ceremonies underscored the stupa's enduring legacy as a center of worship and a conduit to the Buddha's teachings.

5.1 Excavations and Discoveries by Sir John Marshall

The rediscovery of the Dharmarajika Stupa in the early 20th century marked a significant achievement in Buddhist archaeology. Sir John Marshall's 1913 excavations unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including the golden casket containing the sacred tooth relic.

Marshall's discovery not only revealed important relics but also provided crucial insights into the historical and architectural context of the stupa. The inscribed casket offered valuable evidence regarding the stupa's origins and its connection to the Mauryan Empire, confirming its role as a key site for Buddhist veneration.

5.2 Damage and Preservation Challenges

Despite the significance of Marshall's discovery, the Dharmarajika Stupa had suffered considerable damage prior to excavation. Looting and desecration during the White Huns' invasions resulted in the loss of much of its original structure and relics. Marshall's team faced significant challenges in preserving the relics and ensuring the stupa's historical integrity.

The damage to the golden casket during excavation raised concerns about artifact preservation, highlighting the complexities of archaeological fieldwork. Despite these challenges, the rediscovery of the stupa and its relics constituted a major advance in Buddhist archaeology. The contemporary veneration of the relics emphasizes the continued importance of the Dharmarajika Stupa in modern Buddhist practice. The reverence shown during the 2016 procession attests to the enduring impact of Ashoka and Kanishka's efforts in preserving and promoting the Buddha's relics.

6. Preservation Challenges and the Legacy of the Dharmarajika Stupa

Despite its rediscovery and ongoing veneration, the Dharmarajika Stupa faces considerable preservation challenges. Centuries of looting, invasions, and neglect have left lasting damage to its structure and relics. The incident involving the damaged golden casket serves as a reminder of the difficulties inherent in preserving ancient artifacts.

Preservation efforts for Buddhist monuments like the Dharmarajika Stupa require meticulous attention to historical context, architectural integrity, and the cultural significance of the relics. Archaeologists, scholars, and religious authorities continue to collaborate to ensure the stupa and its relics are preserved for future generations.

The Dharmarajika Stupa's legacy extends beyond its physical structure. It symbolizes Emperor Ashoka's commitment to Buddhism and his role in disseminating the Buddha's teachings, serving as a living site of worship where Buddhists find spiritual inspiration.

7. The Sacred Tooth Relic

Following Sir John Marshall's discovery of the Dharmarajika Stupa, a golden casket inscribed with Kharosthi script and the name "Nāsijarutha Danta" was found within. This casket contained a golden tooth relic, establishing the stupa as a significant site of veneration for the Blessed One in 78 AD.

In 2016, two sacred tooth relics from the Dharmarajika Stupa were transported to Sri Lanka for ceremonial veneration. Displayed at major temples in Polonnaruwa, Colombo, Kandy, and Anuradhapura, the ceremonies attracted over 9.3 million devotees, demonstrating profound reverence.

In a report to the British government, Sir John Marshall identified the relics as "tooth relics of the Buddha" rather than bone fragments. However, due to an archaeologist's negligence during excavation, the golden casket was damaged, further compromising the relics (Statement by Professor Erriton).

8. Conclusion

The Dharmarajika Stupa is a monumental site that has profoundly influenced the history and development of Buddhism in South Asia. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka and later restored by Emperor Kanishka, it was built to house the sacred relics of the Buddha and has served as a central point for religious worship and pilgrimage. Sir John Marshall's rediscovery of the stupa and the recovery of the sacred tooth relic marked a pivotal moment in Buddhist archaeology.

The continued reverence for the Dharmarajika Stupa and its relics, including the 2016 procession to Sri Lanka, underscores the enduring significance of this ancient monument. It stands as a testament to the power of relics in Buddhist tradition and the lasting impact of Emperor Ashoka's patronage. Despite preservation challenges, the Dharmarajika Stupa remains a symbol of the Buddha's teachings, the political and religious legitimacy derived from relics, and the enduring legacy of Ashoka's reign.

The Dharmarajika Stupa, built during King Ashoka's reign, is a significant Buddhist architectural landmark in ancient India. This article examines its historical, architectural, and religious importance, tracing its origins, destruction, rediscovery in the 20th century, and lasting influence on Buddhist culture. It highlights King Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism, the stupa’s role in housing Buddha's relics, and the modern significance of its preservation.

By Sao Dhammasami

Founder of The Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum Myanmar.

Ph.D(Candidate)M.A(Pali)B.A

saodhammasami@hswagata.com

References

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• Higham, C. (2014). Encyclopedia of Ancient Asian Civilizations. Infobase Publishing.

• GoUNESCO (2016). Dharmarajika: The Great Stupa of Taxila. UNESCO. Retrieved from GoUNESCO.org.