Sanchi Stupa, popularly called the Great Stupa, is recognized as one of the most ancient Buddhist monuments all over India. Due to being the most primitive stone structure, this monument is listed as a “UNESCO World Heritage Site “in 1989.
It was discovered in 1818. Since that time, this amazing ancient architecture has been preserved very well. Sanchi Stupa is one of the parts of a large hilltop complex that comprises a few more stupas, temples, pillars, and monasteries.
Location
Sanchi Stupa is located in the Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh. It is about an hour’s journey from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.
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History
The overall construction of the world-famous Sanchi Stupa is attributed to the great Ashoka who was the third Mauryan Emperor in the 3rd century BC. In 265 BC, Ashoka made his mind to conquer Kalinga to strategically expand the empire. This war caused a lot of causalities and took a lot of lives too. Though Ashoka won, the bloodshed was horrific. The impact of this war was so much that his inner conscience transformed this cruel and ruthless ruler to become a spiritual seeker.
Post this war, Ashoka completely devoted himself to Buddhism and the noble principle of this religion “nonviolence”. To spread Buddhism, ancient people believed that he built around 84,000 stupas, each of which contained some of the cremated mortal remains of Buddha that were obtained from a Rajagriha stupa.
As per the archaeological evidence, Sanchi Stupa was the first stupa ever made by King Ashoka. This original mortar structure and earthen brick of this stupa were more basic compared to what exists today. Some of the parts of this stupa got destroyed by king Pushyamitra Shunga after he defeated the Mauryan Dynasty in 185 BC.
The final construction of the Stupa happened in the 5thcentury AD, during the reign of the Gupta Dynasty. Sanchi remained a significant center for Buddhism till the 12th century AD when the downfall of the religion began. Since then, the site was abandoned. A thick jungle shielded it from further damage during the reign of the Mughals in India.
British General Henry Taylor revealed and documented this deserted land in 1818. Proper restoration works of the monument started in 1881 under the supervision of Sir John Hubert Marshall, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey, in India. Sanchi Stupa got reconstructed and renovated in 1919.
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Architecture
Sanchi Stupa is one of the major tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh. It is a massive dome-shaped architecture and a religious monument that is around 120 ft. in width and 54 ft. in height. Due to this huge architecture, it is not possible to go inside it.
People worship by walking around the Stupa in a clockwise direction. Names of all those who have donated to constructing this stupa have been carved on it.
There are four gateways of the stupa that faces all four directions. These gateways are a highlight. They are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings that depict various scenes from the life of Buddha, his incarnations, and miracles.
Besides the pillar erected in Sanchi stupa, there are several more pillars created by Ashoka with inscriptions that spread his Buddhist message. Out of them, only nineteen pillars still exist today and the one in the Sanchi Stupa is in the finest state.
Close to Sanchi stupa, there are a few more monuments scattered throughout the hill complex. They are located mostly in the neighborhood of the Sanchi Stupa. These are Stupa Number 3, Temple 45, Temple 18, Temple 17, the Great Bowl, and ruins of stupas, monasteries, and smaller pillars.
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Things to Do and See
- Get fascinated by the historic monument ‘Sanchi Stupa’ that is a phenomenal sight of Sanchi. You can watch the wide collection of stupas, that towers over the countryside. As this place is recognized as a unique heritage building and listed in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you must visit it. Sanchi Stupa is located at the very wide hill complex. So, it would take at least an hour to properly explore the place and learn about its rich history.
- The beautiful gateways of Sanchi feature stone carvings. It renders the panoramic views from the Jataka’s and Buddha’s life.
- There is a popular ancient cave of the 1st century BC, “Udaygiri”. You would be amazed looking at the artful façade, the enormously huge and captivating pillars, and the striking designs of its entrance.
- Don’t forget to miss exploring the famous Ashoka Pillar that is located adjacent to the Southern Gateway. This pillar is admired for fine architecture and structural balance.
- Another thing that you can indulge in during your visit to Sanchi Stupa is to participate in festivals and fairs. They form the spirit of India. ‘Sanchi’ celebrates several festivals that flock a lot of tourists every year to witness this destination. One of the very popular festivals being Chethiyagiri Vihara that is held in November. This festival celebrates the goodness of primitive Buddha associations. Most of the devotees come here to witness the mementos of the followers of the Sariputta, Mahamogallena, and Buddha.
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Interesting Facts about this place
- Sanchi Stupa was exposed in 1818 by British General Taylor. An archaeological museum was constructed in 1919 by Sir John Marshall
- The Sanchi Stupa comprises various chambers that contains the relics of Buddha
- The original construction of the Stupa was attributed to Ashoka
- Sanchi Stupa got reconstructed between the period 1912 and 1919 in the administration of Sir John Marshall
- Most of the Sanchi Stupa cravings and Buddha statues carvings depict the legendry Mauryan style
- The gateways surrounding the stupa got set up in 35 BC
- The Stupa was partially destroyed in the mid of 2nd century BCE
- The 4 Stupa gateways displayed scenes from the life of Lord Buddha and Jatakas tales
- Sanchi Stupa is listed as the World Heritage Sites that are recognized by UNESCO
- The Indian national emblem was derived from the Pillar of Sanchi Stupa that was built by Ashoka
- The crown of the pillar is widely recognized for the four lions that are placed one after another.
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Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Sanchi Stupa is between October to March
How to Reach Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa is well connected by all three transportation mediums, air, rail, and road.
By Air:
The closest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport, located in Bhopal at a distance of around 56.3 km from Sanchi.
By Rail:
Sanchi Railway Station is the closest railhead that takes around three minutes to reach this city.
By Road:
Sachi connects various cities in Bhopal via road. It is at a distance of 46 Km from Bhopal, 10 km from Vidisha, 232 km from Indore, and a lot more. The most budget option would be to take a local bus from Bhopal city to Sanchi. It will cost you only Rs. 50 rupees per person.
Also, one can visit Sanchi conveniently via taxi from Bhopal. It would cost about Rs. 2,000 for a round-trip.
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Ticket cost:
The cost of an entry ticket for Sanchi Stupa cost Rs. 40 per person for Indian and Rs. 600 per person for foreigners. The place remains closed on Fridays. Children above fifteen years of age are allowed free of cost entry.
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Nearby Tourist Attraction
There are several other attractions close to Sanchi. A few of them being ancient Buddhist stupas located at Andher, Satdhara, and Sonari. The construction of Chetiyagiri Vihara got completed in 1952. This place contains the remnants of the great disciples of Buddha. Raisen Fort shows the caves in the rock-cut style from the period of the reign of the Gupta Dynasty. Heliodorus Pillar that was established by Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador is also worth visiting.
People who are keen to learn Buddhist teachings and want to do a 10-day silence program can attend the course at the Dhamma Pala Vipassana meditation center located near Bhopal. Sanchi also houses several hotels spread in different areas. You can find a vast range of guesthouses, luxury resorts, and a few economical hotels that are equipped with all present age amenities.
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Where to Stay
- If you are coming to visit Sanchi Stupa, then you will find several accommodation options. One of them is the Gateway Retreat hotel by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. It is located near the hill complex in Sanchi. Charges are approx. Rs. 2,500 per person per night. There is another accommodation option as Madhya Pradesh Tourism Jungle Resort that is in Udayagiri, at a distance of fifteen minutes from the hill complex. The resort is located amidst nature. The cost is more or less the same.
- For people who wish to stay in a luxury heritage hotel, Jehan Numa Palace is the ideal hotel for them. Rates will start from Rs. 8,500 rupees per night.
- There is one more hotel named “Ten suits” that is an atmospheric boutique hotel having ten well-appointed suites. You will also find here a common kitchen, lounge, gardens, and library available for guests. Due to the wide range of amenities, charges in this hotel are a little more than other resorts. Expect to pay around. 4,000 rupees per person per night.
- Lago Villa is another delightful homestay close to a serene lake. This hotel provides rooms for Rs. 3,000 rupees per person per night.
- If you are looking for a budget hotel, then Jheelum homestay would suit your pocket. It is a peaceful and welcoming place for people. The starting price of this hotel is Rs. 900 rupees per person per night.
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