9. Sept 2014

INTO THE HISTORY
ARANIKO and
THE WHITE
DAGOBA
text JEEBESH RAYAMAJHI
History books in Nepal and China generously mention that the
fifth patriarch of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, 'Phags-pa
(1235-I280), spiritual adviser to the emperor Khubilai Khan, requested
the then king of Nepal to send 100 artist to build a monumental
golden stupa in Tibet. Araniko, leading a troupe of artists, reached
Tibet in 1260 and contributed a lot to make the already rich Nepali
culture of art and architecture flourish in Tibet. Later, considering his
extra ordinary skills, he was made the highest artisan-official at the
court of the Mangol emperor Khubilai Khan.
His works at court are summarized in his epitaph in China: the
construction of three stupas, nine great Buddhist temples, two
Confucian shrines, one Daoist temple, and countless images and
objects made for the emperor, and individual. The exemplary work
he did in larger scale and extant till today is White Dagoba, also called
Miaoying Temple, situated on the north side of Fuchengmennei
Street in Xicheng District of Beijing, China.
Statue of Araniko at Araniko Gallery, Nepal Bhasa Academy, Kirtipur
ARANIKO
The history will never forget the
contribution of Satyamohan Joshi to
introduce Araniko at large in Nepal
through his book Araniko (2044 B.S)
based on an extensive research.
According to the genealogical chart
Joshi presents, Araniko was born in
1244. The genealogy clearly shows
that his grandparents were Mitiar and
Sungti Lachhime and the parents being
Lakhana and Sumakhachi. He is said
to have 10 wives. Chayatha Lachhime,
amongst them, was from Nepal.
There is no debate for he was born in
Nepal but the history is not clear about
where actually his home was in Nepal.
Considering the views of Baburam
Acharya and the proofs Joshi puts
forward, he seems to have been born in
Patan.
Geneological Chart of Araniko displayed in Araniko Gallery in Nepal Bhasa Academy, Kirtipur
In invitation of 'Phags-pa (1235-I280),
the fifth patriarch of the Sakya sect of
Tibetan Buddhism, Araniko, in company
of a number of his native artisans, is said
to have reached Tibet in 1260 to build a
monumental golden stupa there.
Phags-pa was impressed with Araniko
at their first meeting and appointed him
the supervisor for the construction of
the stupa. The relic stupa was built in
memory of the fourth patriarch of the
Sakya sect. It was consecrated in the
main hall of the Sakya monastery. The
stupa no longer exists, though part of
the Sakya monastery, dating back to
Araniko's time, still exists.
Historical facts tell us that, Araniko was
later brought to the throne of Kublai
Khan in around 1264. Understanding
Araniko's confidence and potential,
Khan asked Araniko to repair a damaged
bronze statue which was almost beyond
repair.
The restored image was presented to
the emperor secured his reputation
at the court. Then after, the emperor
offered Araniko with all important
imperial projects. One of the most
22 / SPACESNEPAL.COM