SANCHI STUPA
Capital : Bhopal
Tourist Attractions : Bhopal, Sanchi, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Ujjain, Indore and Mundu
Best Time To Visit : October to March.
Sanchi has been famous for the Stupas which were built on
the top of a hill. The purpose of these stupas was mostly religious. The
most likely use of the stupas has been said to keep the relics. Some of
these stupas have been found containing relics of disciples of Buddha. The
stupas date as early as the 3rd century and are built in brick made of
stone. Though most of the stupas are in ruins now three remain intact and
are of great archaeological value. The designs and the carvings on the
walls and gates of these stupas spell a heavenly grace and are very
tastefully done.
Great Stupa No. 1 - This is one of the oldest stupas in India.
36.5 m in diameter and 16.4 m high with a hemispherical dome this massive
structure was constructed by Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. But the whole
structure was enlarged later. Today the original brick structure by Ashoka
is inside the enlarged stone one. The stupas of Sanchi stand on the top of
a hill. There are four entrances to the great stupa. A railing encircles
the stupa. The entrance is through the magnificently carved gates or as
they call it the Torans. These Torans are one of the finest example of
Buddhist art in India and are best works at Sanchi. The path to the stupa
has been smoothen by the centuries of pilgrims visiting the place. Near
the stupa stands a Chunar sandstone pillar which has some edicts by Ashoka
which warns against the schism within Buddhism.
Stupa No. 2 - This is second stupa on the Sanchi hill. This again
a very good example of the Buddhist architecture. The stupa stands on the
very edge of the hill. Though there are no entrance to this stupa, it
attracts visitors for the stone balustrade which encircles it. The wall of
stupa is decorated with medallions. But the seems to be an imagination of
a child as they depict animals, flowers people and scenes from the
mythology.
Stupa No. 3 - The third stupa is located near Great Stupa. This
stupa is crowned by a polished stone umbrella. The crown denotes some
religious significance. There is only one entrance to this third stupa, In
the stupa the relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallena were discovered. These
two were the earliest disciples of Buddha. The relics were carried to
England in 1853 and were returned to Sanchi in 1953.Holds masterpieces
of Buddhist Art.
Located approx. at 46 Kms from Bhopal Airport, and the most convenient
railhead in Vidisha (10 Kms), is also well connected by motorable roads.
State Tourism's Boarding and Lodging is easily available.
