Pathways to Nirvāṇa: Aquatic Imagery and Visual Metaphors in Gandhāra
Abstract
This article offers a new analysis of stupa architecture that takes into consideration the metaphorical value of aquatic imagery on staircases. Using Stupa 10 at the Buddhist monastery of Andan Dheri (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) as a case study, the piece discusses how the metaphorical value of water-related imagery in a Buddhist context was enriched and supported by the architectural form of the stupa. The article argues that the specific iconographic program centred around metaphors of water-crossing and water-flowing created a space of devotion where devotees could enact and embody spiritual refinement in the physical space through their movements.
Submitted: Feb. 13, 2025 | Accepted: March 26, 2025 | Published Nov. 14, 2025 | Language: en
Keywords Visual metaphors • Aquatic imagery • Buddhist architecture • Nirvāṇa • Gandhāran art
Copyright © 2025 Alice Casalini. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/AnnOr/2385-3042/2025/03/006