MPU3323_Group9_P1B_Maha Vihara

BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA

Raja Vishnu Babu 1001956215 Maliha Akter Aaysha 1002059355 Bibi Mariam Muttur 1002058886 Aaliyah Zakhair 1002058244 Salem Jamal Abdulrahman Bazara 1002058810

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TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRUDUCTION……………………………………………………………...

DESIGN CONCEPT…………………………………………………………..

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC………………………………………….

SITE CONTEXT ………………………………………………………………...

RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE…………………………………………………..

CULTURAL INFLUENCE…………………………………………………...

REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………….

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INTRODUCTION The Buddhist Maha Vihara (BMV) was built in 1894 by the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society (SAWS), the Klang Valley's oldest recognised Buddhist society. It is also known as the Brickfields Buddhist Temple and is a five-minute walk from KL Sentral station. Another major advantage is that it is not overcrowded (compared to most temples in Kuala Lumpur). It is located far enough away from the main streets to provide a peaceful atmosphere. The Main Shrine Room was the Vihara's first structure, completed in the early twentieth century.

Since its inception, the Vihara has been managed by the Sinhala Buddhist community, but it has always been financially supported by the Chinese and Indian communities. It was discovered that the modern Sinhalese people are genetically related to the people of North-East India (Bengal). Throughout Sri Lanka's history, it has been speculated.

Maha Vihara is a remarkable structure, making it an ideal location for people to commemorate their significance. As a result, even though it is more in the Sinhalese temple architecture style, the Indians and Chinese -presumably because they are financially supporting the temple - wanted to mark something related to their culture in the structure.

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DESIGN CONCEPT

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ARCHITECTURAL STYLE SINHALESE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Many old North Indian influences is also seen in Sinhalese architecture.

Buddhism had an excellent impact on Sri Lankan architecture once it had been delivered to the island within the 3rd century BC, and early Sri Lankan architecture was primarily religious, with over 25 different sorts of Buddhist monasteries.Sri Lankan architecture is diverse in terms of architectural forms and designs.

The most prominent sources of foreign influence on Sri Lankan architecture have traditionally been Indian and East Asian architecture, and both have played a significant part in developing it. Southeast Asian architectural influences have also affected the event of Sri Lankan architecture. Techniques and designs established in Europe and transferred to the state via colonisation subsequently had a major impact in Sri Lankan architecture.

The roof and walls of buddhist maha vihara was influenced by The traditional Sinhalese architecture is based on a combination of brick and timber.

The roof and top walls of the vanished Anuradhapura monuments, including the roof, were probably definitely made of wood. The foundation consists of a compressed earth platform with brick and masonry.

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ARCHITECTURAL STYLE THE MAIN GATE The main gate is known as the Sanchi Main Gate, which is named after the Indian town of Sanchi, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This gate uses a similar art style to the structures in the town, but it's less ornate and has a more modern appearance..

SANCHI MAIN GATE

BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA GATE

SWASTIKA The swastika is assumed to represent the Buddha's auspicious footsteps in Buddhism.

Buddha pictures frequently have the left-facing sauwastika inscribed on their chests, feet, or hands. In many areas of Asia, it's an iconic emblem for Gautama Buddha, and it's almost like the dharma wheel.

The swastika may be a frequently used emblem of eternity in East Asian Buddhism. It's accustomed identify Buddhist temples on maps and at the beginning of Buddhist literature. (it's at the rear of the building and on wall of surroundings) 6 Raja Vishnu Babu - 1001956215

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE SANDAKADA PAHANA Sandakada Pahana, Also referred to as Moon-stone, may be a Unique Feature Of The Sinhalese Architecture of Ancient Ceylon. it's An Elaborately Carved Semi-circular Stone Slab, Usually Placed At the underside Of Staircases And Entrances. First Seen within the Latter Stage Of The Anuradhapura Period.During the Polonnaruwa, Gampola, and Kandy periods, the Sandakada Pahana evolved. per historians, the Sandakada Pahana represents the Buddhist cycle of Sansara.

Elephants, lions, horses, and bulls are among the sculptures on the third band. These four animals form a procession, each representing one of the four noble truths (Chathurarya sathya) or life stages: birth, old age, sickness, and death. The carving of flames in the fourth and outermost ring is typically regarded as depicting the never-ending cycle of life and the pangs of passion that the people are going through.

When a devotte steps on the moon stone, he or she mentally departs this world and prepares his or her mind to experience the calm and serenity of the shrine room or pagada, where the image of the Buddha and his teachings takes centre stage.

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ARCHITECTURAL STYLE FACADE The design of buddhist maha vihara follows the style of a sinhalese architecture. In this sense, sinhalese architecture is an expression of a movement as much as it is a specific style of construction.

Building exhibits the srilankan style in many of its features, including the arches, coloumns.

STUPA Stupas were primarily used to enshrine Buddha's relics, and their building was considered a tremendous act of virtue. The entrances to stupas are planned out such that their centre lines point to the relic chambers, and the architectural criteria are identical throughout most of the stupas.

The stupas were plastered with lime, clay, sand, pebbles, crushed seashells, sugar syrup, egg white, coconut water, plant resin, drying oil, glues, and white ant saliva, with the plaster combinations changing according to the design needs. From the 5th through the 12th century, tiny stones, crushed seashells mixed with lime, and sand were utilised in the stupas at Kiri Vihara.

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DESIGN CONCEPT DHARMA CHAKRA (Noble EightFold) The history of the Sarnath Buddha image art form dates from the Gupta Empire period in India, which lasted from the 4th to the 6th century AD, when kings were strong and art, literature, and science thrived.

The Dharma Cakra, or Wheel of Dharma mudra, of the Sarnath Buddha is well-known.

The Dharma Chakra mudra is a preaching mudra that is produced when the tips of both hands' thumbs and index fingers come together to form a circle. The Wheel of Dharma is represented by this particular circle. The wheel of Dharma teaching is started in motion by the mudra.

Four Noble Truths 1- Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness) 2- Samudaya (the cause) 3- Nirodha (the end) 4- Magga (the path) Right understanding Right concentration

Right Thought

Right Mindfulness

Right speech

Right Action

Right Effort Right Livelihood

NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH 9 Raja Vishnu Babu - 1001956215

DESIGN CONCEPT DASA PARAMITAS Parama is a Sanskrit word that meaning noblest, greatest, or best. As a result, the Paramitas are the highest virtues or noble characteristics of the Bodhi sattas. In other terms, the path of conduct or the Prerequisites for Enlightenment are known as the Paramitas. Every Buddhist who aspires to achieve Nibbana - ultimate Emancipation - through any Yana or vehicle should cultivate these 10 qualities. Nibbana can be attained by using one of the tree Yanas listed below.

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Dana paramita: generosity, giving of oneself.

Sila paramita: virtue, morality, proper conduct.

Nekkhamma paramita: renunciation.

Panna paramita: wisdom, discernment.

Viriya paramita: energy, diligence, vigour, effort.

Khanthi paramita: patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance.

Sacca paramita: truthfulness, honesty.

Adhitthana paramita : determination, resolution.

Metta paramita: goodwill, friendliness, loving-kindness.

Upekkha paramita: equanimity, serenity.

Dana paramita:

Sila paramita:

Nekkhamma paramita:

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DESIGN CONCEPT DASA PARAMITAS Khanthi paramita:

Viriya paramita

Sacca paramita:

Adhitthana paramita

Upekkha paramita:

TRIPLE GEM

Panna paramita:

Metta paramita:

The Triple Gem (Ti-ratana) The term is a pal. Meaning The Triple Gem' or 'The Three Kinds of Gem. It is invaluable in that it bestows an immeasurable benefit upon the aspirants who realise its nature.

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REFERENCES http://www.travelingthruhistory.com/maha-vihara-buddhist-temple/ http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/magazine/buddhist-maha-vihara-temple.htm http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/attractions/brickfields.htm http://www.aj.arch.chula.ac.th/nakhara/files/article/191-419-1-PB.pdf https://buddhistmahavihara.org/ https://www.slideserve.com/nigel-horn/pre-colonial-architecture-of-sri-lanka https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_ancient_Sri_Lanka https://ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu/ehrafe/citation.do?method=citation&forw ard=browseAuthorsFullContext&id=ax04-008 https://www.songoftravel.com/blog/the-difference-between-stupas-pagodas-and-te mples https://www.learnreligions.com/the-buddhas-robe-450083 https://drarisworld.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/the-ten-perfections-dasa-par ami-in-theravada-buddhism-by-dr-ari-ubeysekara/ https://www.shutterstock.com/search/sinhalese+architecture

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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

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SITE CONTEXT

Bibi Mariam Muttur 1002058886 CONTENT: ● ● ● ● ●

History of Brickfields Influence by the site Influence on site Architectural similarities with surrounding buildings References 14

BRICKFIELDS MAHA VIHARA Buddhist Maha Vihara is located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Brickfields reflects the multi-culture of Malaysia and is filled with cultural, social, religious and educational institutions.

The temple is located in Jalan Berhala which is a minor road in Brickfields. In this street, there are a few other temples and shrines but the most famous and oldest temple in this street, is the Buddhist Maha Vihara.

Built in 1894 by the Sinhalese community, the temple is a place of worship for the practice of the Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist tradition.

LITTLE INDIA

MAP OF BRICKFIELDS

Little India is a region run the country’s Indian community. In this region, one can find Indian shops, food, garlands, clothes and other Indian goods.

Little India is one of the oldest Indian settlements in Malaysia. Other than indians, the area is occupied by the people from Bangladesh and most importantly from Sri Lanka.

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INFLUENCE BY SITE MATERIALS Buddhist Viharas are mostly constructed with bricks or carved out rocks. In the 1880s, Brickfields was the main producer of bricks for the rebuilding of Kuala Lumpur from wood to brick and mortar structures. As a result, materials for the construction of the Vihara were readily available.

KLANG RIVER The Klang River used to flow close to the southern perimeter of the Brickfields Buddhist Temple land and almost parallel to the road reserve side along the western boundary of the land.

The Monks would cross the river through a wooden bridge to go to other parts of Kuala Lumpur. By crossing the river to get to the other side of the river, would make them save time and energy.

Chinese Buddhist also helped and influenced the construction of the Vihara. It was seen as a good omen to have a river crossing in front of the temple.

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INFLUENCE BY SITE ACCESSIBILITY

Being located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, and being one of the few Buddhist Maha Viharas in the early 20th century, the Buddhist temple attracted many worshippers from Kuala Lumpur and other surrounding towns.

As a result, the main shrine room of the Vihara had to be renovated and expanded in 1924. The renovated and expanded Main shrine room was more spacious and was ornamented with carvings and mouldings influenced by the Sinhalese style of architecture.

Before Expansion

After Expansion

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INFLUENCE ON SITE JALAN BERHALA

Brickfields is also known as a ‘Divine Location’. The region houses several religious structures particularly along Jalan Berhala.

Being one of the oldest temples in Klang Valley, the Buddhist Maha Vihara was one of the first religious structures in Brickfields. Later, more temples, shrines and cultural buildings, mostly Indian, were built along Jalan Berhala.

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INFLUENCE ON SITE WISMA DHARMA CAKRA The Wisma Dharma Cakra is located opposite to the Vihara with its front entrance facing that of the temple. It was built to cater to the activities of the Buddhist temple and that of the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School (BISDS). The Buddhist teaching was carried out under the Bhodi Tree before the Wisma Dharma Cakra.

The Wisma Dharma Cakra houses a tall Standing Buddha Image on the top front elevation of the building.

TEMPLE OF FINE ARTS The temple of Fine Arts is located in Jalan Berhala and faces the 100 year-old Vihara.

The Temple of Fine Arts is a cultural organization where Indian culture is taught and performed.

It is a 5-storey height building and houses Dance studios, auditoriums and even libraries.

The building has some similarities to the Vihara.

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SIMILARITIES WITH SURROUNDING BUILLDINGS SAM KOW TONG TEMPLE The Sam Kow Tong Temple is a Chinese Temple built in 1916. The Temple follows the Hokkien-Style.

Some architectural similarities that could be observed between The Buddhist Maha Vihara and Sam Kow Tong temple are the perfect symmetry and the carved out motifs on the columns. However, the motifs on the Chinese temple are more of a decorative style and much more complex. In both temples, there is a walkway for the entrance making them grand.

BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA

VIVEKANANDA ASHRAM The Vivekananda Ashram is located not far from the Buddhist Maha Vihara.

Some similar features that could be observed are the symmetry and the presence of columns with the similar motifs. The Stupas on the Vihara look similar to that on the Ashram

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SIMILARITIES WITH SURROUNDING BUILLDINGS TEMPLE OF FINE ARTS

The Temple of Fine Arts is located opposite the 100 year old Buddhist Mahavihara.

The architecture of the two buildings are a bit similar.

The colours of the two buildings are quite similar.

The height of the Temple of Fine Arts is almost the same as the Wisma Dharma Cakra which is located in the same courtyard as the Buddhist temple. The two buildings are very symmetrical.

Other than that, the two buildings have quite similar arches on their façaces.

There are repetitive columns on both buildings that look alike.

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REFERENCES Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from Penang Travel Tips website: : https://www.penang-traveltips.com/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/jalan-berhala.htm Kuala Lumpur Little India Brickfields – Kuala Lumpur Attractions. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from kuala-lumpur.ws website: http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/attractions/brickfields.htm Traveling Thru History. (2015). Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from: http://www.travelingthruhistory.com/maha-vihara-buddhist-temple/ Wikipedia. (2021). Karpaka Vinayakar Temple. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpaka_Vinayakar_Temple . asisbiz.com (2020). Asisbiz article and photos of Selangor Sri Subramaniam Kovil, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Malaysia. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from: https://www.asisbiz.com/Malaysia/Brickfields.html .

Anon. Our history | The Vivekananda Ashrama Kuala Lumpur. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from: http://vivekananda.my/our-story/ Lonely Planet. Sam Kow Tong Temple | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Attractions. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/attractions/sam-kow-tong-te mple/a/poi-sig/1217492/356949

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RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE

BY Aaliyah Zakair 1002058244

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GENERAL FACTS ABOUT BUDDHIST Temple Before we talk about the selected temple here are the general facts of a Buddhist temples All Buddhist temples have statues of Buddha or Buddha, most of them are Buddhas that signify wisdom, understanding, and the fulfillment of destiny.

Most of the Buddhist temples are designed to symbolize the five elements.

Furthermore , there are more than three types of form of buddhism, The main ones that have influenced more all around the country are : Theravada Buddhism: Mostly influenced in Laos and Burma,Thailand, Sri Lanka, & Cambodia Mahayana Buddhism: Mostly influenced in China, Japan, Singapore,Vietnam ,Taiwan & Korea, Tibetan Buddhism: Mostly influenced in Mongolia, Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal,and parts of Russia and northern India.

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BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA The Temple Selected is the Mahar Vihara.

Mahar Vihara is a buddhist temple which is located in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia that is proposed by the Sinhalese community originated from Sri Lanka (Theravada Buddhism) in 1894 that was constructed in a site where huge numbers of their community civil servants are living and working together.

Buddha All the buddhist temples around have either a statue of image of Buddha Meditation Area/Courtyard There is a silent area of monks or followers to meditate

Lectern Some days, the head of the monk give a religious talk to worshipers especially during festivals days such as Nirvana day & wesak in the temple The wheel of life Located in every temple, it represents rebirth,life & death 25 Aaliyah Zakair 1002058244

LAYOUT PLANNING OF BUDDHIST TEMPLE Before we talk about the architecture layout of maha vihara, we should discuss about the origin of the singhaelse buddhist architecture layout as the layout of the buddhist temple plays an extremely important role as it contributes to the achievement of dominance and hierarchy in the temple.

The origin of Singhelse buddhist temple architecture began with the development in the city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka , eventually spreading all over the country.

Anuradhapura

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COMPARISON BETWEEN TYPICAL SINHALESE COMPARISON BETWEEN TYPICAL SINHALESE STYLE BUDDHIST & VIHARA MAHA VIHARA STYLE BUDDHIST PLAN &PLAN MAHA TEMPLE TEMPLE

Typical Singhalese Buddhist Monastery Plan

Maha Vihara Plan

During the research , I have concluded most of the spatial plan remains the same in the temple however the exterior of the building are different based on the areas.The mahar Vihara is influenced by the Sri lankan architecture in which most of the ancient temples are made of bricks .

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COMPARISON BETWEEN TYPICAL SINHALESE STYLE BUDDHIST PLAN & MAHA VIHARA TEMPLE The main hall, which is positioned along the temple's central axis and serves as a location for morning and evening chanting and religious ceremonies, is the most important element of the structure.The simplest symmetrical form of the layout is used to transmit all of the messages.

Flat suspended ceilings are installed in the exterior hall to ensure that the indoor space is regular.

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RELIGIOUS ACITIVTIES CIRCULATION

3) There are three types of structures related to religious buildings influenced by early Buddhism: temples (viharas), places of worship (stupas), shrines or the prayer halls (also called chaityas,). In some places nowadays, it is called a temple now

1)

There are certain etiquette Starting with outside,entrance,the visitors have to remove their shoe and enter the temple to maintain cleanliness and purity

2) Right next the entrance , there is Belfry ( Bell Tower) used toas a call to prayer to great distances. And as protection to keep the evil spirits away 29 Aaliyah Zakair 1002058244

RELIGIOUS ACITIVTIES

3) As the people walk straight ahead, they enter the prayer hall through the walkway and then to the worship space that faces the Buddha statues directly. Right at the main buddha statue in front is an offering table. During worship activities, the monks and the followers stand in rows and face the to chant the sutras.Some pray by sitting on the ground During Prayer Ceremony, Three sticks of incense are burned concurrently by Theravada Buddhists: one for the Buddha, another for the Buddha's teachings, known as the Dharma and a third for the Buddhist Sangha (community). The Triple Gem refers to these three concepts.

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INTERIOR FEATURES THE RECLINING BUDDHA

Within the prayer hall, a statue of the Reclining Buddha is depicted reclining on his right side, his head resting on his right elbow.It's an extremely popular iconographic depiction in Buddhism, and it's meant to point out that all beings are capable of awakening and freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth.

GAUTAMA BUDDHA Located in the prayer hall , this is the largest statue in the maha vihara temple , it is Gautama Buddha that symbolizes wisdom and understanding

SARIPUTRA & MAUDGALYAYANA

Located right next to Gautama Buddha right is the sariputra which is known to be important & wise disciple of the Buddha chief disciples and a Maudgalyayana is the left closest and prominent chief disciples.31 Aaliyah Zakair 1002058244

SIGNIFICANCE OF COLOUR IN BUDDHISM

The selection of colour plays a important in buddhist temple as each colour signifies different meaning.Green, orange, and yellow are used for the interior wall.

Yellow which is closest to the sun colour symbolize of humility and separation from a materialistic society and avoid emptiness In Buddhism, orange was the color of illumination & maturity.Moreover, the monks also wear orange to signify peace Green, on the other hand, represents balance, harmony, and nature.

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Conclusion

The design of Maha Vihara temple plays a major role in providing the suitable environment for the users to engage in religious activities philosophical aspects of buddhism

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REFERENCES 1.

dtk42@cornell.edu. (2014, August 6). Buddhist Bells and Statues – Presentation | Art in the Modern World 2014. Buddhist Bells and Statues – Presentation | Art in the Modern World 2014. https://blogs.cornell.edu/aitmw2014/2014/08/06/713/#:%7E:text=In%20Bud dhism%20bells%20have%20many,to%20ward%20off%20evil%20spirits.

2.

2) Hays, J. (n.d.). BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND STUPAS | Facts and Details.

BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND STUPAS | Facts and Details. Retrieved August 29, 2021, from https://factsanddetails.com/world/cat55/sub355/item1325.html 3) Indian Heritage - Painting - Ajanta Caves - Rock-cut Architecture. (n.d.).

Ajanta Caves. Retrieved August 29, 2021, from http://www.indian-heritage.org/artcraft/ajanta/rockca6.html

4)https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/160534/8/whiterose-dongxu_zhang-Effect s_of_spatial_elements_and_sound_sources_on_sound_field_in_Main_Hall _of_Chinese_Buddhist_temple-0308__1_.pdf 5) Ali, C. I. (n.d.). Budhism art and architecture. Budhism Art and Architecture. Retrieved August 29, 2021, from https://www.slideshare.net/IradatAliAwais/budhism-art-and-architecture 6)https://www.fleet.camden.sch.uk/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Home-Learning/Year -4/Places-of-Worship-Buddhist-Temples.pdf 7) Seven Colors of Tibetan Buddhism, Color Symbolism in Tibet. (n.d.).

Seven Colors of Tibetan Buddhism, Color Symbolism in Tibet. Retrieved August 29, 2021, from https://www.greattibettour.com/tibetan-culture/tibetan-buddhism-colors.html 8) Zhang, D., Lai, R., Zhang, M. orcid.org/0000-0001-9703-6728 et al. (1 more author) (2020) Effects of spatial elements and sound sources on sound field in Main Hall of Chinese Buddhist temple. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 147 (3). pp. 1516-1530. ISSN 0001-4966 34 Aaliyah Zakair 1002058244

CULTURAL INFLUENCE -

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When talking about culture and its definition, it could basically express how certain people act and react towards certain actions.

But, in a broader view culture is what makes certain people who are living in a specific area who they are, from action to reactions and expressions and their daily activities and manners.

Culture is not unchangeable. It evolves and changes with time, but it is still holding its identity.

There are three groups of people involved in the Maha Vihara history; Sinhalese -which are people mainly from Sri Lanka -who started Maha Vihara and the group of Sinhalese started like a new branch of Maha Vihara in Malaysia,KL- Chinese and Indians who are supporting it financially. So, they all must want to put such an influence even the tiniest in such a rish historical structure.

When comparing buddhist temples in India, Sri Lanka and China, Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur resembles more to those in Sri Lanka, yet features from the two other groups are founded as well.

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CHINESE INFLUENCE CHINESE TEMPLES

CHINESE TEMPLES EXTERIORS -

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When looking at Chinese temples, it is clear that the majority of them have the manner of red-ish exterior walls, either due to the use of red bricks or red paint on the outer walls. In Chinese tradition, red is a colour associated with good fortune, joy, and happiness. In traditional Chinese colour symbolism, it also denotes pleasure.

The red-colored external walls appear to have impacted the Maha Vihara, and it genuinely represents the idea of Buddhism.

For better luck, temples in Asia are typically built facing the south or east. So did the Maha Vihara. The main entrance is on the south side of the building. This is a widely held as cultural belief.

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ORNAMENTS GUARDIAN LION STATUE Guardian lions, also known as komainu, shishi, or foo dogs, are imposing, mythical, lion-like creatures seen in a variety of art forms ranging from architecture to tattoos. Because they represent prosperity, success, and protection. There are two lions at the entrance, a male and a female.

LOTUS FLOWERS SHAPE The lotus is called the nobleman of flowers in its cultural sense. In ancient China, the lotus was regarded as a symbol of purity and elegance, so they usually compared the lotus to a noble knight.

This symbol is located in the interior

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SINHALA INFLUENCE SINHALESE TEMPLES There is a misunderstanding of the terms, Pagoda, stupa and a temple but infact all of them are related to each other. Here is how. Pagoda, is used as a temple that can be entered to and it is influenced by the shape of a stupa, yet bigger in size.

Pagodas are popular in Sri Lanka, which is why we believe the Maha Vihara was heavily influenced by Sinhalese Buddhist architecture.

Stupas made of objects in which Buddha's or his disciples' personal belongings are buried. Stupas constructed to commemorate significant events in the lives of Buddha and his disciples.

When comparing pagodas of Sri Lanka temples and Maha Vihara’s, it is obvious that Maha Vihara was influenced by the Sri Lankan architectural style.

Sinhala Pagoda

Maha Vihara Studpa

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The stupa in Maha Vihara is located in the back side of the temple and it is smaller than the Pagoda that is in the Sinhalese architecture/temples and it cannot be entered as it is a burial space for the 38 SALEM JAMAL ABDULRAHMAN BAZARA - 1002058810

ORNAMENTS BODHI TREE The Bodhi tree, sampled from the original Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. It is basically an international banch brought up to Malaysia’s Maha Vihara. It was planted in 288 BC during King Devanampiyatissa's reign, and was brought from India by Princess Sangamitta. She was the daughter of the Hindu emperor Asoka, who had converted to Buddhism.

Siddhartha (as Buddha was previously known) meditated for more than a month beneath a sacred fig tree in Bodhgaya. Every year on December 8, Buddhists around the world observe Bodhi Day, a commemoration of Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The current Bodhi tree is most likely the fifth generation of the original tree.

GREEK COLUMNS

During the Greek influence in India, such temples were built between the third and second centuries BCE. Greek culture had an impact on Buddhist temples.

It is located at the right front side when entering the site 39 SALEM JAMAL ABDULRAHMAN BAZARA - 1002058810

INDIAN INFLUENCE MONKS COSTUMS Buddhist monks and nuns wear robes that date back 25 centuries to the time of the historical Buddha. The first monks wore rag-strewn robes, as did many mendicant holy men in India at the time.

As the Buddha's wandering community of disciples grew, he discovered that some robe rules were required. These are recorded in the Pali Canon's Vinaya-pitaka, also known as the Tripitaka.

The Buddha instructed the first monks and nuns to make their robes out of "pure" cloth, which was cloth that no one wanted. Cloth that had been chewed by rats or oxen, scorched by fire, soiled by childbirth or menstrual blood, or used as a shroud to wrap the dead before cremation were all examples of pure cloth. Monks would scavenge cloth from garbage dumps and cremation sites.

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