History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of The Great Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India
Sanchi, the ancient historical Buddhist Pilgrimage site, popular across world for its Stupa, also call the great Sanchi Stupa is UNESCO world heritage site, located on hilltop at small town Sanchi of Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. The great Stupa is hemispherical structure containing the relics of Lord Buddha and used for meditation. Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest survived Buddhist Stupa of world, also biggest Stupa here, called Stupa No 1, which was commissioned by the great king of India, the Ashoka of Maurya dynasty in 3rd century BC. Over the period of time other structure, gateways and temples were constructed here and also renovated old Stupa as well. Thus, this holds high importance in terms of history, spirituality and archeologically. Sanchi Buddhist complex is located just at km from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh and just 10 km away from Vidisha. It is said that King Ashoka had built more 80000 across the India and divided ashes of Lord Buddha. Sanchi Stupa is believed to be the first Stupa and also the site of birth place of his wife Devi and also marriage site of both as well.
The simple structure of Great Stupa 1 was damaged during the 2nd century BCE and later on repaired and elements were added during the 1st century BCE during the reign of Satavahana Dynasty. A last construction took place at the site in the fifth century AD during Gupta Dynasty. This included the Buddha sculptures surrounding the stupa, and the Gupta temple, the unique example of early temple architecture in India.
The structure is 120 feet wide and 54 feet high, the master piece of Indian Architecture. Circumambulation or Pradakshina, the sacred walkway was constructed around the stupa which was bounded by a stone railing. The intricate carvings on the doorway are inspired by the life events and miracles of Lord Buddha, taken from the Buddhist jataka stories. These four gateways represents the courage, love, peace, and trust. The dome rests on a base, under which is a relic chamber situated. As per the famous beliefs, the dome was constructed over the relics belonging to Lord Buddha. So it was adorned with three chhatris or umbrella-like structures meant to shelter the relics. The three structures represents the Triantha or the three jewels of Buddhism, called the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Sanchi Stupa was an important pilgrimage site for Buddhism in India up to 12th century. Then over the time the site becomes abandoned but due to dense forest, it was protected from damage during the period of Mughal invader rule in India when most of the Indian temples and important structures were damaged or converted. Then British General Henry Taylor had discovered this site in 1818. Unfortunately, before renovation started it was more damaged by treasure hunters before 1881. Then renovation works were started and supervised by Sir John Hubert Marshall, Director General of the Indian Archaeological Survey, and completed in 1919.
You can also visits other Stupas, temple, Musuem and Buddha Jambudweep, the 17-acre theme park located right in front of the Archaeological Survey of India Sanchi Museum, which mentioned the life and preaching of Gautam Buddha and Emperor Ashoka, the great. The extraordinary polished stone pillar, built in front of the stupa's southern gateway is one the Pillars of Ashoka where you can find the inscriptions of Buddhist message. Also four lions standing back to back on pillar from which national emblem of India is derived. Along with the main Stupa No 1, Stupa No. 2 and Stupa No. 3, Ashoka Pillar, Temple 40, Sunga Pillar or Pillar 25, Four ceremonial gateways or toranas, The Great Bowl, Gupta Temple, Monastery 51 etc. are other attraction.
The entry fees for the great Sanchi Stupa is 40 rupees per person for Indians and 600 rupees for foreigners.
How to Reach The Great Sanchi Stupa, Buddhist site, Madhya Pradesh, India
As Sanchi has great importance across the world and its at just 45 km from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India with road, rail and air network. Sanchi has its own railway station which connects through major railway junction. Bhopal has the nearest airport from the Sanchi Stupa at around 50 km. Also you can get government and private vehicle from all major cities of Madhya Pradesh to reach Sanchi Stupa.
