Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s4.t2.57

v2.c11.s4.t2.57

Satvahanas added to its four beautifully carved stone gateways or toranas. Each gateway is about 11 meters in height and consists of two upright pillars which support a superstructure of three architraves with volute ends. All of these are elaborately carved and depict various significant events connected with Lord Buddha’s life and Jataka stories. The southern gateway is believed to be the oldest of the four because it is placed at the entrance where the Asokan pillar and the staircase leading to the top is located. Its rich carvings illustrate the birth of Siddharth Gautam as well as his first sermon at Sarnath as Buddha. The northern gateway is crowned by a wheel of law and depicts various miracles of Buddhas as referred in the Jatakas. The eastern gateway has a depiction of stories connected with Siddharth Gautam’s journey towards enlightenment or Buddhahood. Sculpted on the western gateways are scenes from seven incarnations of Buddha.