Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c11.15.1

c11.15.1

Even before these additions were made to the Sanchi stupa a number of buildings were erected in its vicinity to serve the needs of worshippers, or for the use of those whose duties were connected with the shrine. Two types of structure came early into evidence, one being a temple for the performance of the ritual, and the other a monastery for the residence of the priests The temple, or chaitya hall arose out of the particular demands of the Buddhist religion. With the appearance of a material cult-object in the form of the stupa (chaitya), some building for the accommodation of facsimiles of this divine symbol, together with shelter for the convenience of those who came to pay their devotions to it, became necessary. Hitherto the religious rites of the people had been conducted in the open air under the shadow of the trees in the sacred groves, so that a structural house of prayer had not been required. No tradition for a temple being in existence, something suitable had to be created *ab initio* The general shape of the stupa, and the ritual of circumambulation naturally suggested a building a portion of which should be circular in plan with a domical roof. Some such structure had long been the abode of hermits and other holy persons, and their beehive huts with conical roofs and thatch, sanctified by usage, could be readily adapted to contain the stupa.