Sanchi Stupa
Constructed more than 2,000 years ago, the Great
Stupa of Sanchi is a symbol of the predominant reach and significance of
Buddhism. Being one of the best illustrations of Buddhist architectural
exquisiteness in the globe, the Sanchi Stupa is the World Heritage Site
chosen by UNESCO.
Sanchi Stupa is located 46 km north-east of Bhopal was constructed in 3rd century by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Among the Stupas built by the Emperor, the Stupas of Sanchi were preeminent in architectural splendor and magnificence. It depicts the architectural prosperity of the country during that period.
Religious Significance of the Stupa
The structure is believed to be built over the
remnants of the Lord Buddha (bones and teeth) giving it a grandiose royal
status. The three-layer stone umbrella evident at the peak of the stupa
is an indication of the noble status, since the umbrella represents
royal status. The Sanchi stupa has a pathway constructed in the midst of
the mound to surround the stupa clockwise to honor Buddha. The border
wall has an entryway at each direction, and the carvings on these
exemplify events from the Buddha's lives.
The Stupa
While in India Buddhism prospered for the first time under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka, an authoritative monarch who built Buddhist monuments all across the country to broaden the religious conviction. Ashoka survived from 304 to 232 BC, and it is during this era that the stupa at Sanchi was initially built. It was restructured between 50 BC and 50 AD, and finished about two times bigger than it had been formerly. It's about 120 feet in width, and 54 feet high. Stupas fundamentally symbolize models of the universe.
Symbols Carved on Sanchi Stupa
Lotus or Elephant: Depicts Birth- Birth of Buddha
Tree: Representing enlightenment
Wheel: Wheel symbolizes the third stage of Buddha, teaching stage
Stupa: Death of Buddha
Tree: Representing enlightenment
Wheel: Wheel symbolizes the third stage of Buddha, teaching stage
Stupa: Death of Buddha
Gateways of Sanchi Stupa
Various gateways of the stupa points to the universal acceptance of the teachings of Lord Buddha. The
picture shown on the exterior side of the east gateway is supported
by elephants. The upper arch has two trees and five
stupas. Central arch of the eastern gateway portray the
Buddha's huge leaving when he relinquished his royal stand and happen to
be on the streets wanderer probing for utmost enlightenment. Similarly other gateways also reveals other important phases of Buddha life and also his teachings to the general masses.
Stone carvings on other gateways depicts seven preceding
Buddhas, which are symbolize here in the form of trees, getting devotion
and garlands from people attending worship. The top arch demonstrates
just five of the seven, because the further two were on the exterior
section of the bow which is outside.
Entrance Fee: Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar)- Rs 10
Others: US $ 5
The great stupa is Sanchi's most significant and prominently preserved monument. It exhibits an ascetic greatness and the beautiful carvings of the entryway portray the momentous episodes and wonders from Lord Buddha’s existence and actions depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tales.
How To Reach Sanchi Stupa ?
Distance from Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) to Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) is 66 km. You can hire a taxi cab to reach this historical destination. Time taken by road is approx 1 hr.
Timings: Sunrise to SunsetEntrance Fee: Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar)- Rs 10
Others: US $ 5
The great stupa is Sanchi's most significant and prominently preserved monument. It exhibits an ascetic greatness and the beautiful carvings of the entryway portray the momentous episodes and wonders from Lord Buddha’s existence and actions depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tales.
Places of Attraction near Sanchi Stupa
Vidisha - 12 km from Sanchi Stupa, once the capital of Mauryan dynasty
Udaigiri Caves-16 km, abode to many world famous Hindu and Jain caves
Satdhara - Newly found Buddhist complex
Ashoka Pillar- The pillars ranged between 40 to 50 feet in height. Near the southern gateway of Sanchi Stupa stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of 3rd century BC
Sanchi Museum-The museum houses excavated objects that are over 2000 years old.
Gupta Temple-Constructed in the 5th century AD, Gupta Temple in Sanchi stands proof of the architectural excellence of the Gupta period. It also reflects the integrity that prevailed among people belonging to various faiths for the temple was constructed in a land that was predominantly a Buddhist pilgrim center.
Bijamandal- At a distance of 9 km from Sanchi Railway Station, Bijamandal is an ancient temple located in Vidisha near Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. Popularly known as Vijayamandira Temple.
Sonari Buddhist Stupas-At a distance of 11 km from Sanchi, Sonari is an archaeological site of an ancient monastic complex of Buddhist stupas in Madhya Pradesh. Positioned on a hill, it is one of the must include places in the Buddhist Circuit of Central India, and among the top places to visit near Sanchi.
Satdhara Buddhist Stupas-At a distance of 14 km from Sanchi, Satdahara is an archaeological site of an ancient monastic complex of Buddhist stupas in Madhya Pradesh. Overlooking Halali River.
Murel Khurd / Bhojpur Stupas-At a distance of 19 km from Sanchi, Murel Khurd is an archaeological site of an ancient monastic complex of Buddhist stupas in Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Bhojpur Stupas.
Bhimbetka- At a distance of 9 km from Obaidullaganj, and 45 km from Bhopal, Bhimbetka is an archaeological site located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the popular places of heritage in India.