An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c44.323

v2.c44.323

To the n. of the Main Stūpa are the remains of two magnificent monasteries with a narrow passage in between. The larger of the two, Monastery 1, measuring 54·8 m square, has an elaborate plan comprising a spacious courtyard, enclosed by a pillared veranda around which are 24 cells, a shrine in the centre of the back wall having richly carved stone door-frames and an elaborate entrance-complex. Within the shrine is installed on a spacious pedestal a colossal image of Buddha seated in *bhūmi-sparśa-mudrā*, 4·59 m high from the base. The monastery had an upper storey which was approached by a grand flight of stone steps in the s.-w. corner, remnants of which have been found. The architectural grandeur and sculptural exuberance of the monastery, particularly its exquisitely carved chlorite door-frame, make it an outstanding building. The monastery was reconditioned in the second phase, when all the residential cells of the ground floor were filled in and the habitation shifted to the upper storey. But the shrine together with the courtyard, veranda and entrance porches continued to be in use. The third or the decadent phase is marked by the erection of shabby walls particularly on the veranda to provide additional rooms.