Mahabodhi Temple Replicas in Thailand in the 26th Buddhist Century: The Transmission of Art Styles from India and the Transfer of Symbolic Meanings

Abstract

            The objective of this research article is to analyze the artistic forms of and the reasons for building Replicas of Mahabodhi Vihara Pantheon in Thailand in the 26^th Buddhist century, as well as the concepts or symbolic meanings of the buildings. Using the methodology of art history research, the studied replicas were analyzed in comparison with the original Mahabodhi Vihara Pantheon in Bodh Gaya, India, and other replicas built in Southeast Asia before and during the 26^th Buddhist century, such as those in Lanna, Bagan and Pegu.

            The findings indicate that, concerning the artistic forms, none of the replicas in the 26^th Buddhist century imitates the layout plan of Satta Maha Sathan, the seven important places where Lord Buddha stayed after his Enlightenment, while many of them do not have Sri Mahabodhi Tree, the Buddhist holy tree which is a major symbol after which the ‘Mahabodhi Vihara Pantheon’ has been named. The findings also point out that many replicas are linked to Samvejaniya Sathan, the four sacred places related to the life of Lord Buddha. This linkage is not found in the replicas built before the 26^th Buddhist century.

            In regard to the functions, it is discovered that such replicas have diversified functions, such as to be monasteries, main halls of temples, museums and Dharma schools. In addition, the replicas built in the 26^th Buddhist century are largely influenced by the Pantheon in India without any reliance to the building of replicas in earlier periods. The popularity of those replicas reflects the concept of ‘Nostalgia to India’, giving recognition to the significance of India as the center of sacredness in Buddhism.