गुरु ठाकुर यांची कविता, फारच सकारात्मक ..

 गम्मत अशीकी .. ही कविता विंदांच्या नावानी फिरत होती.. 

त्यावतर गुरु ठाकूर म्हणाले .. विंदांचे नाव लागणे / लावावेसे वाटणे ह्यात माझा सन्मान आहे!!! 

The above incidence I read it on the internet/ social media... 

असे जगावे दुनियेमद्ये ,

  आव्हानांचे लावून अत्तर,

नजर रोखून नजरेमध्ये,

  आयुष्याला द्यावे उत्तर,

नको गुलामी नक्षत्रांची   ,

  भीती आंधळी ताऱ्यांची,

आयुष्याला भिडतानाही,

  चैन करावी स्वप्नांची,

अशी दांडगी इच्छा ज्याची,

  मार्ग तयाला मिळती सत्तर,

 नजर रोखून नजरेमध्ये,

  आयुष्याला द्यावे उत्तर.

पाय असावे जमिनीवरती,

  कवेत अंबर घेताना,

हसू असावे ओठांवरती,

  काळीज काढून देताना...

संकटासही ठणकावून सांगावे,

  आता ये बेहत्तर,

नजर रोखून नजरेमध्ये,

  आयुष्याला द्यावे उत्तर.

The Satvahan Dynasty -4: Temple Architecture

 During the Satavahana rule in the first century CE, temple architecture began to develop distinct characteristics that reflected both religious and cultural influences. The Satavahana period is primarily known for its contributions to Buddhist architecture, but the foundations laid during this era also influenced later Hindu temple architecture. Here’s an overview of the temple architecture from the Satavahana period:

1. Buddhist Architecture

Stupas

• Description: Buddhist stupas were the principal form of monumental architecture during the Satavahana rule. These structures were originally simple mounds but were elaborated with decorative elements over time.
• Examples:
  • Amaravati Stupa: This stupa is one of the largest and most important Buddhist monuments from the Satavahana period. It features an elaborate carved railing and base, with detailed sculptures depicting Buddhist themes and narratives.
  • Sanchi Stupa: Although initially built during the Mauryan period, significant renovations and expansions occurred during the Satavahana period. The gateways (toranas) of the Sanchi Stupa are particularly noteworthy for their intricate carvings.

Chaityas (Prayer Halls)

• Description: Chaityas are prayer halls used for congregational worship and meditation. They typically include a stupa at one end, with the rest of the hall used for assembly.
• Examples:
  • Karle Caves: The Karle Chaitya Hall is one of the earliest examples of rock-cut chaityas. It includes a large stupa and intricate carvings along the walls and pillars.
  • Bhaja Caves: The Bhaja Caves feature several chaityas with simple yet effective architectural designs, including carved pillars and stupa structures.

Viharas (Monastic Residences)

• Description: Viharas were residential complexes for monks and included living quarters, meditation rooms, and communal spaces.
• Examples:
  • Ajanta Caves: Early caves at Ajanta include viharas with simple yet functional designs for monastic living.
  • Nagarjunakonda Monastic Complex: This complex includes several viharas and chaityas, showcasing early rock-cut architecture for Buddhist monastic life.

2. Early Hindu Temples

Emergence of Hindu Temples

• Description: While Buddhist architecture was predominant, early forms of Hindu temple architecture were beginning to emerge. These early temples were generally simple and often integrated into rock-cut structures or existing sites.
• Examples:
  • Pithalkhora Caves: These caves include early examples of Hindu rock-cut temples with simple carvings and deities, reflecting the nascent stages of Hindu temple architecture.

Key Features of Satavahana Temple Architecture

1. Rock-Cut Architecture: The Satavahana period saw significant development in rock-cut architecture, with both Buddhist and early Hindu temples being carved directly into rock faces.

2. Decorative Elements: Buddhist stupas and chaityas from this period featured intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Buddhist narratives, while Hindu rock-cut temples began to include representations of deities.

3. Integration with Natural Features: Many temples and monastic complexes were built into natural rock formations, taking advantage of the landscape for both practical and aesthetic purposes.

4. Monastic Complexes: The construction of viharas and chaityas reflected the growing importance of monastic communities and their need for spaces dedicated to both worship and daily life.

The architectural innovations and practices from the Satavahana period laid the groundwork for the development of more elaborate Hindu temples in subsequent centuries. The emphasis on rock-cut structures and the incorporation of detailed carvings and sculptures had a lasting impact on Indian temple architecture.

The Satvahana Dynasty - 3: Religions

 

1. Buddhism

• Patronage: The Satavahana rulers were strong patrons of Buddhism. They supported the construction of Buddhist stupas, chaityas (prayer halls), and viharas (monastic residences).
• Key Developments:
  • Stupa Construction: Major stupas such as those at Amaravati and Sanchi were expanded and adorned during the Satavahana period.
  • Art and Architecture: The period saw the creation of elaborate Buddhist sculptures and cave temples, including the Ajanta, Ellora, Karle, and Bhaja caves.
  • Prominent Figures: Gautamiputra Satakarni, one of the most notable Satavahana rulers, is known for his staunch support of Buddhism and the promotion of Buddhist art and architecture.

2. Hinduism

• Presence: Hinduism, in its early forms, continued to be practiced alongside Buddhism. The Satavahana rulers themselves adhered to Hindu traditions to varying degrees, and Hindu deities were worshipped.
• Key Developments:
  • Temples and Shrines: Hindu temples and shrines were built during this period, though they were less prominent compared to Buddhist structures.
  • Integration: Hindu practices and traditions were often integrated with local customs, reflecting a syncretic approach to religion.

3. Jainism

• Presence: Jainism was also practiced during the Satavahana period. The Jains were active in trade and commerce, and their presence was significant in various regions of India.
• Key Developments:
  • Art and Architecture: Although less prominent than Buddhism and Hinduism in terms of monumental architecture, Jain art and inscriptions from this period have been found in several locations.

4. Local and Tribal Religions

• Presence: Various local and tribal religions and deities were worshipped throughout the Deccan region. These traditions often blended with the major religions of the time, creating a diverse religious landscape.
• Key Developments:
  • Syncretism: Local deities and practices were often incorporated into the broader religious framework of the Satavahana empire, reflecting a degree of religious pluralism.

Summary

During the Satavahana rule, Buddhism was the most prominent and actively supported religion, with significant patronage leading to the construction of major Buddhist monuments and the proliferation of Buddhist art. Hinduism and Jainism also had a presence, with Hinduism being practiced by the rulers and Jainism by various communities involved in trade and commerce. Additionally, local and tribal religions contributed to the rich religious tapestry of the region, demonstrating the diverse and pluralistic nature of religious life during the Satavahana period.

The Satvahana Dynasty - 2: Monuments

 During the Satavahana rule, several significant monuments were constructed, reflecting the dynasty’s contributions to art, architecture, and religion. Here are some of the most important monuments built during the Satavahana period:

1. Sanchi Stupa

• Location: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
• Description: Although originally built during the Maurya period, the Sanchi Stupa was significantly renovated and expanded under the Satavahanas. The Great Stupa (Stupa 1) at Sanchi was adorned with intricately carved gateways (toranas) that were added during the Satavahana period. The carvings on these gateways are notable for their detailed depiction of Buddhist themes and narratives.

2. Amaravati Stupa

• Location: Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
• Description: The Amaravati Stupa is one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas from the Satavahana period. It is renowned for its magnificent sculptures and elaborate carvings. The stupa was a major center for Buddhist activity and pilgrimage, and its marble sculptures depict various Buddhist themes, including scenes from the life of the Buddha.

3. Nagarjunakonda Monastic Complex

• Location: Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh
• Description: This site features a series of Buddhist monasteries and stupas, including the prominent Mahachaitya (Great Stupa). The complex includes numerous monastic cells, viharas (residential quarters), and chaityas (prayer halls), showcasing the Satavahanas' patronage of Buddhism.

4. Karle Caves

• Location: Karle, Maharashtra
• Description: The Karle Caves are a series of Buddhist rock-cut caves that date back to the Satavahana period. The most notable cave is the Chaitya Hall, which is one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. The cave features a large stupa and intricately carved reliefs.

5. Ajanta Caves

• Location: Ajanta, Maharashtra
• Description: The Ajanta Caves, although primarily developed during the later centuries, have some elements that date back to the Satavahana period. The early caves at Ajanta show the influence of Satavahana art, particularly in the form of stupa structures and early mural paintings.

6. Ellora Caves

• Location: Ellora, Maharashtra
• Description: Like Ajanta, the Ellora Caves were developed over several centuries, but the early rock-cut temples at Ellora show the influence of the Satavahana period. The Kailasa Temple, although primarily a later addition, reflects the architectural styles initiated during the Satavahana era.

7. Pithalkhora Caves

• Location: Pithalkhora, Maharashtra
• Description: These are a group of Buddhist rock-cut caves that include viharas and chaityas. They were created during the early centuries of the common era, reflecting the architectural and artistic trends of the Satavahana period.

8. Bhaja Caves

• Location: Bhaja, Maharashtra
• Description: The Bhaja Caves are a group of Buddhist rock-cut caves featuring a number of chaityas and viharas. The caves include elaborate carvings and inscriptions that date back to the Satavahana period.

These monuments not only reflect the architectural and artistic achievements of the Satavahanas but also provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural life during their rule. The emphasis on Buddhist architecture and sculpture highlights the Satavahana dynasty's role in promoting Buddhism in ancient India.

#Source of information from my reading over the internet , chatgpt , books