Set on a modest hilltop that comes as a surprise in an otherwise
flat terrain, Sanchi is the oldest Buddhist site in India.
Built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, Sanchi is a destination
that you must visit on your tour to Madhya Pradesh. It is
home to the Lion capital Ashoka pillar with the four
lions, now preserved in the Archaeological Museum,
being the state emblem of India.
Ashoka built eight stupas at Sanchi of which only three survive
today. The other religious structures such as Buddhist temples
and monasteries were later added over the centuries. Once
a place of Buddhist discourse and teachings, Sanchi's importance
dwindled with the emergence of Hinduism in India and the spread
of Buddhism to mainland China and the adjoining oriental countries.
A British officer discovered the Buddhist site ruins of Sanchi
in 1818. However, Sanchi, Central India, was rescued from
obscurity by a proper archaeological survey and restoration
of the Buddhist stupas, the four gates, Buddhist temples and
monasteries so that you can appreciate the finest examples
of Buddhist art and architecture in India on your tour to
Sanchi.
The main attraction at Sanchi is the Great Stupa (or
stupa no.1). You can approach the main structures at Sanchi
via the gate flanked by water tanks and worn out steps that
lead straight to the Buddhist complex. The original brick
stupa was constructed by Ashoka in the 3rd century BC and
was later covered by a larger stone stupa. The surrounding
four gateways to the Great Stupa called Toranas are
a study in the evolution of Buddhism in India. Circle the
stupas in a clockwise direction on your tour to Sanchi, and
your prayers would be heard.
The four gateways, built at different times over centuries,
depict the scenes from Jatakas i.e. the various stages
in Buddha's many lives. The Buddhist art is replete with symbolism
instead of portraits and human figures. A lotus represents
Buddha's birth; a bodhi tree represents Buddha's enlightenment
at Bodhgaya; a spinning wheel for Buddha's teachings and footprints
for his presence amidst all that is living and breathing.
The southern gateway has the Ashoka pillar with the lion capital.
There are instances from Ashoka's life as a Buddhist monk,
miracles in Buddha's life, his resistance to temptation etc
that are for you to see on your tour to Sanchi.
You can also visit the other three smaller stupas at Sanchi
to see the medallions and crumbling gates on your tour
to Sanchi. Most of the Buddhist sculptures such as one of
the oldest Buddha figures in red sandstone, paintings of Buddha
as recovered from the stupas, and relics such as the lion
capital can be seen on your visit to the Archaeological Museum,
Sanchi.
Temples in Sanchi are many but all of then bear a strong
resemblance to the Greek Pantheons with their high columned
structures. These Buddhist temples, also known as Chaityas,
have images of Buddha in various stages of his life. You should
also visit the monasteries, especially the modern vihar that
houses many of the relics from the stupas. The great bowl
on the monasteries ground, where the monks were served their
daily meals, is another site to visit as it was carved out
from a stone.
The Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival is a good time to
see throngs of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who gather to see
the relics of Buddha's two earliest disciples.
Sanchi is easily accessible by buses from Bhopal with a journey
time of around 2 hours. You can also visit the ancient ruins
of Vidisha and Udagiri caves near and around
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
Tourism of Central India offers specialized tour booking,
and travel packages for Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. To book your
tour, or for more information, please fill the form below.
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