Buddhist Sites
-| Devnimuri | -
Location: District Sabarkantha (Gujrat) - Lat 23º 95'N, Long 73º
26 E
The Buddhist site of Devnimuri is situated in Sabankantha district of Gujarat
in Western India. The remains of a large Buddhist establishment located in picturesque
surroundings on the bank of the Meshvo river near the well known Shamalaji,
where the river enters the plains of Northern Gujarat after cutting through
the outlines of Aravallies in Rajasthan state. The site has a towering “Saririka
stupa” called Mahastupa as per the inscription of the casket found within
the core. Two monasteries, four votive stupas, an apsidal temple, a rectangular
structure and a protecting wall are some of the significant remains of Buddhist
establishment.
The Mahastupa and a spacious monastery known as Monastery No. 1 built of bricks
are particularly impressive even in their ruined condition. The site bespeak
of an affluent state in Devnimuri Buddhist centre probably from the 4th century
AD to 7th century AD. The Mahastupa underwent minor repairs and restoration.
Monastery 1 is usual chatursala type and had presumably a tiled roof. It underwent
minor extension twice and was repaired at a later date.
The earliest phase of stupa belongs to 4th century AD. It consists of a brick
paved open space. Around this space are a veranda and a range of cells, the
latter spread out beyond veranda. The entrance porch is in the centre of the
northern wall, whereas the shrine, which faces the porch, is on the southern
side. There is platform, projecting from the centre of all the four flanks of
the Veranda, which probably accommodated the steps. The outer facing of the
southern peripheral wall is embellished with a carved moulding of bricks. The
brick work exhibits a fine workmanship in the masonary.
On the east of the monastery 1, monastery 2 is located. This monastery is also
made of bricks but is of smaller dimensions. Built probably after the 4th century
AD , it is again , of chatursala type. The apsidal temple at the south-west
corner of the main stupa is in the last stage of decay. The structure is made
of bricks with usual plan of an apse, a nave and aisles. The site is impressive
and is beautifully located with soothing ambience.
Devnimuri
- Buddhist, Archaeology in India
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