We have taken you on a tour of the glorious Sanchi Stupa of Madhya Pradesh. Along with interesting anecdotes from history, we have told you why this stupa is special, where it is located and how fun it would be to visit here. So what are you waiting for, go on a historical journey to Sanchi!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Sanchi Stupa
Glorious Sanchi Stupa bearing the ravages of time
On the land of Madhya Pradesh, there is a village, Sanchi, situated on the banks of Betwa river. This village is a treasure trove of history, where brick and stone sing together the Buddha’s teachings. Today we will visit the same glorious Sanchi Stupa, which is a priceless gem of Indian architecture.
Sign of Buddhahood – Features of Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa first of all fascinates the mind with its vastness. This is a round stupa made of bricks, whose height is about 54 feet and width is 120 feet. Its specialty is the four grand entrances built around it, which are called Torana gates.
It is the artworks made on these archways that spread the real magic. Beautiful images from the Jataka tales, important events from the life of Buddha, and the life of the common people of that time – all these have been carved with great detail in these carvings. As if these stones themselves were telling the story!
(mata, moreover) There is a platform around the stupa, on which also amazing artworks are made. Here you can see beautiful sculptures of animals like elephants, horses and lions, which are excellent examples of the craftsmanship of that time.
Architectural marvel – Sanchi Stupa structure
It is said that Emperor Ashoka had built the Sanchi Stupa after adopting Buddhism. This stupa was an important religious place for the followers of Buddhism. Its design reflects the philosophy of Buddhism.
Sanchi Stupa can be divided into three parts –
Garbhagriha: This is the uppermost part of the stupa, which is in the shape of a hemisphere. It is believed that the remains of Buddha are kept here.
Harmika: There is a square structure built above the sanctum sanctorum, which is called Harmika.
Vedika: This is an enclosure built around the stupa, which protects it.
So next time you plan to visit Madhya Pradesh, definitely include Sanchi Stupa in your trip. It is waiting for you there, holding the stories of the past in its embrace.
Location of Sanchi Stupa
Let’s discover the historical heritage – Sanchi Stupa!
You have heard the story of Sanchi Stupa, but it is important to know where this beautiful heritage is located, isn’t it? So, now our journey begins in the heart of Madhya Pradesh!
You will find Sanchi Stupa in Raisen district, which is not far from Bhopal. If you leave from Bhopal, this magnificent village will welcome you at a distance of about 46 kilometers. This village, situated on the banks of the sweet banks of Betwa river, seems to hold history in its lap.
If you are coming from Vidisha, you will have to travel only 10 kilometers to reach Sanchi. So remember – Raisen district, on the banks of Betwa river, 46 km from Bhopal or 10 km from Vidisha – this is where you will find the glorious Sanchi Stupa!
History of Sanchi Stupa
Surpassing the ravages of time – History of Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa is a history in itself. This is the heritage that has maintained itself over the centuries with changing kingdoms, wars and development of civilizations.
It is said that its story begins during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, about two and a half thousand years ago. The same Ashoka the Great, who adopted Buddhism after seeing the terrible consequences of war. He built many stupas to propagate Buddhism, one of which was the glorious stupa of Sanchi.
But the story does not end here. The Maurya Empire collapsed after Ashoka. It is believed that King Pushyamitra Shunga of the Shunga dynasty had caused some damage to this stupa. However, his son Agnimitra later renovated this stupa and decorated it with stones.
Even after this, Sanchi Stupa continued to see many ups and downs for centuries. Sometimes he got the protection of kings, and sometimes he had to live a life of anonymity in the forest. Then in the 19th century, British archaeologists rediscovered it and since then it has been winning the hearts of tourists as an invaluable heritage of India.
So here is a brief history of Sanchi Stupa. This is a stupa which has seen both war and peace, destruction and creation in its story. And this is what makes it even more special.
Significance of Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa – Not just a monument, but much more!
Sanchi Stupa is not just a pile of bricks and stones, it is a story of a time. Let us know some special reasons, which make Sanchi Stupa so important:
Glorious symbol of Buddhism: Sanchi Stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka to propagate Buddhism. This stupa is an important Buddhist monument of that period, which is still a center of reverence for the followers of Buddhism.
Treasure of Ancient Indian Art: The beauty of Sanchi Stupa is actually hidden in its artefacts. The stories from the Jataka tales depicted on these carvings, the incidents from the life of Buddha, and the lifestyle of the people of that time – all these are like an open book for the students of history.
Excellent example of architectural art: It may look like an ordinary stupa, but its architecture is actually very special. The three parts of the stupa – Garbhagriha, Harmika and Vedika – reflect the philosophy of Buddhism. Also, the grandeur of the Torana gates and the carvings done on them are a living proof of the superiority of Indian architecture.
Witness of Time: Sanchi Stupa has been a witness to the history of India for centuries. It covers the rise and fall of the Maurya Empire, the changing reigns of the kings, and the development of Buddhism in India. Therefore this stupa is a priceless heritage for archaeologists.
So next time you visit Sanchi Stupa, see it not just as a monument, but as a lesson in history. It will not only tell you stories of the past, but will also narrate the glory of Indian art and culture.
Visiting Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa Tour – Walk down the corridors of history!
Have read a lot about Sanchi Stupa, but now you feel like going and seeing it yourself? So, now let us tell you how and when to visit Sanchi.
The best time to visit Sanchi Stupa is from 9 am to 5 pm. During this period the weather is also pleasant and you can enjoy traveling comfortably.
Now comes the question that how old is Sanchi Stupa? This is amazing! This stupa is about two and a half thousand years old. Imagine how majestic it still stands even after so much time has passed!
If you are planning to visit Sanchi from Bhopal, then you will have to travel only 46 kilometers. You can easily cover this distance by taxi or bus. The road is also quite good, so the journey will also be pleasant.
Then what are you waiting for? Pack, charge your camera and set out on a historic trip to Sanchi! After reaching there, you will not only see a grand stupa, but will also be able to closely experience the art and culture of ancient India.
Exploring Sanchi
The unseen lanes of Sanchi Stupa – reveal the secrets of the past!
You will definitely go to see Sanchi Stupa, but have you ever thought what it would be like to peek inside it? Yes, although you cannot go inside the sanctum sanctorum of the stupa, the things around it are no less interesting. So come on, now let us hold your hand and take you to the unseen streets of Sanchi Stupa!
The grand archway around Sanchi Stupa is the first thing that will catch your attention. You will be stunned to see the intricate carvings made on these doors. Beautiful paintings from the Jataka stories, important events from the life of Buddha – all these seem to be telling stories on the stones themselves. If you look closely, you might be able to see the clothes, lifestyle, and even the pets of the people of that era!
Now let’s move a little further. Amazing artworks are also made on the railing of the altar built around the stupa. Here you will see beautiful sculptures of animals like elephants, horses and lions. These sculptures are excellent examples of the craftsmanship of that time, seeing which you will not be able to stop yourself from saluting the artistic talent of the artisans.
Apart from this, you will also find many caves on the land of Sanchi. These caves used to be the place for Buddhist monks to live and meditate. There are artefacts related to Buddhism also on the walls of these caves.
So this is the magic that Sanchi Stupa holds in its embrace. It is not only a grand stupa, but also tells the story of history through its surrounding views and artefacts. So next time you go to Sanchi, do visit these undiscovered streets. Believe me, this will give you a unique experience of revealing the secrets of the past.
Miscellaneous Information
Sanchi Stupa – Know some unique things!
Now you know a lot about Sanchi Stupa, but let us now know some more interesting things which you might not know!
Sanchi Stupa in Hindi: You know, Sanchi Stupa is also called “Sanchi Stupa” in Hindi.
Sanchi Stupa on the map of India: If you look at the map of India, try to find Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh. Nearby you will see the banks of Betwa river, and our glorious Sanchi Stupa will be situated somewhere there!
Sanchi Stupa in 3D Model: In this age of technology, you can see the 3D model of Sanchi Stupa while sitting at your home. There are many websites on the internet, where you will get its 3D model. Just take a look, as if you yourself are visiting Sanchi!
Model of Sanchi Stupa: If you like to make it with your own hands, then you can make a small model of Sanchi Stupa at home. For this you can use bricks or soil. Then decorate it with some colors and your mini Sanchi Stupa is ready!
So see! Sanchi Stupa is not only a historical heritage but also offers a lot of opportunities to learn and do. So next time whenever you plan to travel, definitely include Sanchi in your list. It will give you some unique experiences along with history!