Sanchi Stupa

In the year 1818, the place, Sanchi was discovered by General Taylor, which includes the great Sanchi Stupa. Sanchi, a small village, is situated in the Raisen District in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. To be more specific about its location, it could be said that it is situated at a distance of 52 kilometers from Bhopal, the capital city of the state of Madhya Pradesh and is located at a distance of ten kilometers from Vidisha, another well known city of Madhya Pradesh. Stupas refer to large size domes that are hemispherical in shape that feature a central chamber. The central chamber is known to be the home of the relics of Buddha. However, the stupa that stands out from the rest and draws in a

large number of visitors from all over the world, is the Sanchi Stupa. To speak about the Sanchi Stupa, it could be said that it is the most stupendous example of Buddhist Architecture. The construction of this stupa dates back to the 3rd century BC and the 12th century AD. It is the most well preserved stupa till date.

If you are of the notion that you would see an image of Lord Buddha at the Sanchi Stupa, then you are truly mistaken as there is no image of Lord Buddha. Wheels, thrones and the footprints represent Lord Buddha. The lifeless figures as well as the tree also stand as a symbol of Lord Buddha. But as you enter the stupa, the serenity of this place would definitely make you feel that you have arrived at a place that is steeped in history.

The 'Wheel' is a symbol of that incident of Buddha’s life, which is associated with his preaching of the first sermon. The Tree stands for Enlightenment as the story goes that Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi Tree. Lotus carvings on the framework of this stupa add to its beauty and the lotus is the symbol, of ‘spiritual growth’.

It is to be noted here that at the time of the Shunga Period, staircase and railings were introduced as other features of this stupa. The top of the stupa has been adorned by a harmika. To make it easy for the visitors to walk around the stupa, there is a road or a path and the path has been closed on all sides by gates that lead to all the four directions.

The best time for visit is the months of November, October, January and February.