Sanchi Stupa : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Sanchi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built over 2000 years ago by the great emperor Ashoka and is one of India’s most important Buddhist monuments. If you’re looking to learn about the architectural and spiritual significance of this ancient pilgrimage site, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll discuss Sanchi Stupa’s interesting facts, information, and travel guide. We’ll learn about its history, architecture, culture, and artistry and provide tips and advice to visitors who are planning a trip to the area. So, let’s get started!

Interesting Facts About Sanchi Stupa

1. Sanchi Stupa has the oldest Buddhist temple in India, with construction dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

2. Sanchi Stupa was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1989.

3. It is believed that Ashoka the Great built the Stupa in devotion to his wife Dharma, creating one of the first-ever Buddhism structures.

4. The Stupa is built on a large hill, making it easily visible from the surrounding areas.

5. It features numerous sacred sculptures carved out of stone, depicting various scenes from the life of the Buddha.

6. Sanchi Stupa is considered to be the epitome of Buddhist art and architecture.

7. It consists of four main monuments – the Great Stupa, the East Gateway, the Vihara, and the West Gateway.

8. The site is now home to the Archaeological Survey of India Museum, which displays some of the artifacts found at the site.

9. During the Festival of Universe, a special pooja is conducted at the Stupa to commemorate the enlightenment of Buddha.

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History & Information About Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist monument in the form of a hemispherical structure in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is believed to be one of the oldest surviving stupas and is the largest in India and one of the most famous in the world. Known as the Great Stupa, it dates back to the 3rd century BC, when it was built by Emperor Ashoka to mark the spot where he deposited his beloved wife’s relics.

During the centuries, the stupa was refurbished constantly until the late 19th century. The stupa today is the result of various works of art. The circular mound of the stupa contains the main relic chamber, a short staircase to a Harmika or upper platform, balustrades at the lower and upper level, a secondary relic chamber, a series of four gateways, and a ditch with an inner enclosure wall.

The original stupa contained a great variety of Buddhist images, but the site received so much attention that it was a target for vandalism and destruction by Hindu and Muslim forces over the centuries. During the 19th century, a partial restoration of the stupa was carried out along with an archaeological survey of the monuments. Further restoration is ongoing with most of the original reliefs intact.

The Sanchi Stupa, with other nearby monuments, was the first Indian site to be inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1989. The site is one of the most renowned Unesco World Heritage sites in India and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa is a great spot for anyone looking for a spiritual experience in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. The large historic site, along with its elaborate stupas, monasteries, and other Buddhist relics, offer a truly enlightening experience. Here is a guide for travelers visiting Sanchi Stupa for the first time:

Where to Stay:

Sanchi has several options for accommodation that meet different budgets. Hotel Bakshi Vijay is a family-run place located close to the main attractions and is reasonably priced. The Sanchi Palace Hotel is another great option, with many of its rooms offering exquisite views of the stupa. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Hotel is the most expensive option in Sanchi and is nestled in the lush green valley of the Sanchi hills.

Things to Do:

The main attraction of Sanchi is undoubtedly the Stupa, which is a Buddhist structure of great religious and historic importance. Apart from that, you can explore the nearby temple complexes and the imposing pillars called Ashokan Pillars, also known as Toranas. The local market is also quite interesting and sells a variety of souvenirs. Visitors can also go for a stroll along some of the trails and trek through forested pathways, passing through villages, ancient ruins, and temples.

How to Get There:

Air – The closest airport is at Bhopal, which is around 46 kilometres away from Sanchi.

Train – All major cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, etc. have direct trains to Sanchi. There are regular trains to Bhopal, which is the closest major railway station.

Bus – There are regular buses available to and from Sanchi from different locations like Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Ujjain, and Nagpur.

When to Visit:

The best time to visit Sanchi is during the winter months from November to February, when the weather is pleasant. Avoid visiting during the summer season and the monsoons for it can get really hot and humid, and there are chances of heavy rains.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sanchi Stupa

Q1: What is Sanchi Stupa?

A1: Sanchi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument located in Sanchi Town of Raisen District in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka to house the relics of the Buddha.

Q2: What is the significance of Sanchi Stupa?

A2: Sanchi Stupa is one of the most important archaeological sites in India, it represents a milestone in the development of Buddhist architecture and was the first stupa built for the purpose of enshrining sacred relics. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q3: How big is the Sanchi Stupa?

A3: The main stupa is 36.5 m in diameter and its height is 16.4 m. It is surrounded by four smaller stupas, each measuring 11.5 m in diameter and 7 m in height.

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