Sanchi Stupa
Built more than 2,000 years before, the great Stupa of
Sanchi signify the predominant spread and importance of Buddhism in India,
which was later passed to rest of the world. One of the best example of
Buddhist architectural beauty in the world, the Sanchi Stupa is the World
Heritage Site designated by UNESCO.
Located 46 km north-east of Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi Stupa was constructed by great Mauryan emperor Ashoka (273 BC-237 BC). Among the more than 84,000 Stupas built by Ashoka, the Stupas of Sanchi were best in its architectural beauty and historical richness. World famous for its Stupas, Ashokan pillars, monasteries and temples, a visit to the Stupas of Sanchi takes one to behold numerous of the sculptural and architectural wealth of the country.
Interestingly, Sanchi Stupa is not directly linked with the life of Buddha, like other Buddhist pilgrimage, yet it is one of the most visited and most important among all other Buddhist pilgrimage of the world. It is simply because the Stupas of Sanchi collect all the events of Buddhism very delicately. The brick-built and plaster-covered structure built over relics of Buddha is crowned by Chhatra (symbolising the high rank). Besides, numerous of beautiful structure of temple and monasteries add unique charm to the architectural and historical valour of the holy place. .
Must See & Do !
The Great Stupa: While being at this oldest Stupas of the world, do not forget to take a long gaze at the Ashoka Pillar near the southern gate of Great Stupa
Stupa 2 & 3: Though much smaller than the Great Stupa, Stupa 2 & 3 have beautifully carved handrails and important relics of Buddha’s two disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.
Temples and Monasteries: Best to watch here are the carved doorways, stone figures of Buddha and carvings of Hindu goddess Ganga and Yamuna.
Nearby attraction: Popular historical spots like Vidisha (12 km), once the capital of Mauryan dynasty; Udaigiri (16 km), abode to many world famous Hindu and Jain caves; and Satdhara, where the newly found Buddhist complex lie, are close to Sanchi. A short trip to here are full of fascinating glimpse of bygone era.
Other World Heritage Sites
Located 46 km north-east of Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi Stupa was constructed by great Mauryan emperor Ashoka (273 BC-237 BC). Among the more than 84,000 Stupas built by Ashoka, the Stupas of Sanchi were best in its architectural beauty and historical richness. World famous for its Stupas, Ashokan pillars, monasteries and temples, a visit to the Stupas of Sanchi takes one to behold numerous of the sculptural and architectural wealth of the country.
Interestingly, Sanchi Stupa is not directly linked with the life of Buddha, like other Buddhist pilgrimage, yet it is one of the most visited and most important among all other Buddhist pilgrimage of the world. It is simply because the Stupas of Sanchi collect all the events of Buddhism very delicately. The brick-built and plaster-covered structure built over relics of Buddha is crowned by Chhatra (symbolising the high rank). Besides, numerous of beautiful structure of temple and monasteries add unique charm to the architectural and historical valour of the holy place. .
Must See & Do !
The Great Stupa: While being at this oldest Stupas of the world, do not forget to take a long gaze at the Ashoka Pillar near the southern gate of Great Stupa
Stupa 2 & 3: Though much smaller than the Great Stupa, Stupa 2 & 3 have beautifully carved handrails and important relics of Buddha’s two disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.
Temples and Monasteries: Best to watch here are the carved doorways, stone figures of Buddha and carvings of Hindu goddess Ganga and Yamuna.
Nearby attraction: Popular historical spots like Vidisha (12 km), once the capital of Mauryan dynasty; Udaigiri (16 km), abode to many world famous Hindu and Jain caves; and Satdhara, where the newly found Buddhist complex lie, are close to Sanchi. A short trip to here are full of fascinating glimpse of bygone era.
Other World Heritage Sites
