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A Prevailing Symbol of Buddhism: The UNESCO Sanchi Stupas of Northern India
Published by Devender Kundaliya, Writer
Country: India 
The Experience
Renowned as an exceptional example of Buddhist art and architecture, the Sanchi stupas is a great UNESCO world heritage site in India.
The town of Sanchi lies 45 km north of Bhopal in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The stupas of Sanchi (“heaps” containing Buddhist relics) are some of finest and most well preserved structures of ancient India, especially for those interested in Sanchi Buddhist monuments that were constructed between the 3rd century BC and 12th century AD.
Sanchi also makes a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site for thousands of Buddhists from all around the world. It is among the few Buddhist sites in India that give visitors an opportunity to see how Buddhist art and architecture originated and prospered in India about 2,000 years ago.
The Sanchi stupas are situated on the top of a hill near the small Sanchi village in Raisen, and the stupas are located about 45 km from Bhopal (the capital city of Madhya Pradesh), and about 10 km from Vidisha. There are nearly fifty structures present in this area, which include many different stupas and temples.
Buddhist stupas are hemispherical domes made of bricks, and feature a central chamber in which were kept the holy relics of the Buddha. The stupas are surrounded by the toranas (gates) with each one symbolizing love and peace. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the most prominent and important structure of all the stupas and monuments around this Indian town. Ashoka, one of the great emperors of India, constructed the Great Stupa around the 3rd century BC. It features four carved gateways, and is surrounded by a railing. You can wander the path around the stupa and see the very beautiful motifs and designs made on the four gates. This Great Stupa of Sanchi was enlarged and highly decorated by the kings of the Shunga period.
The Sanchi stupas were made to be a symbol of Buddha, much like the wheel of fortune and the bo tree. More precisely, these stupas represented the Parinirvana, meaning the final liberation from the cycles of birth and death. They also represent the cosmos, and the hemisphere of the stupas represents the whole word shaped like an egg, with the summit depicting the axis of the world. You can find a number of symbolic representations of Lord Buddha in the form of footprints and wheels. The various life events of Buddha have been magnificently portrayed on the gateways with the help of sculpture designs.
It is believed that during Ashoka’s period, eight stupas and the monolithic pillar were constructed at Sanchi. Many other structures were added in the later centuries during the period of different kings. However, the monuments of Sanchi got ruined with the decline of Buddhism in India, and were completely lost in the pages of history until their rediscovery and restoration by the British in India. General Taylor, a British officer, first discovered these ruins in 1818, and around 1881, restoration work was started under the guidance of Sir John Marshall. This continued for many years and was finally completed in 1919. An archaeological museum was also established here in 1919.
The town of Sanchi lies 45 km north of Bhopal in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The stupas of Sanchi (“heaps” containing Buddhist relics) are some of finest and most well preserved structures of ancient India, especially for those interested in Sanchi Buddhist monuments that were constructed between the 3rd century BC and 12th century AD.
Sanchi also makes a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site for thousands of Buddhists from all around the world. It is among the few Buddhist sites in India that give visitors an opportunity to see how Buddhist art and architecture originated and prospered in India about 2,000 years ago.
The Sanchi stupas are situated on the top of a hill near the small Sanchi village in Raisen, and the stupas are located about 45 km from Bhopal (the capital city of Madhya Pradesh), and about 10 km from Vidisha. There are nearly fifty structures present in this area, which include many different stupas and temples.
Buddhist stupas are hemispherical domes made of bricks, and feature a central chamber in which were kept the holy relics of the Buddha. The stupas are surrounded by the toranas (gates) with each one symbolizing love and peace. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the most prominent and important structure of all the stupas and monuments around this Indian town. Ashoka, one of the great emperors of India, constructed the Great Stupa around the 3rd century BC. It features four carved gateways, and is surrounded by a railing. You can wander the path around the stupa and see the very beautiful motifs and designs made on the four gates. This Great Stupa of Sanchi was enlarged and highly decorated by the kings of the Shunga period.
The Sanchi stupas were made to be a symbol of Buddha, much like the wheel of fortune and the bo tree. More precisely, these stupas represented the Parinirvana, meaning the final liberation from the cycles of birth and death. They also represent the cosmos, and the hemisphere of the stupas represents the whole word shaped like an egg, with the summit depicting the axis of the world. You can find a number of symbolic representations of Lord Buddha in the form of footprints and wheels. The various life events of Buddha have been magnificently portrayed on the gateways with the help of sculpture designs.
It is believed that during Ashoka’s period, eight stupas and the monolithic pillar were constructed at Sanchi. Many other structures were added in the later centuries during the period of different kings. However, the monuments of Sanchi got ruined with the decline of Buddhism in India, and were completely lost in the pages of history until their rediscovery and restoration by the British in India. General Taylor, a British officer, first discovered these ruins in 1818, and around 1881, restoration work was started under the guidance of Sir John Marshall. This continued for many years and was finally completed in 1919. An archaeological museum was also established here in 1919.
When to Go to Sanchi Stupas
The best time of year to visit the Sanchi stupas is the period from September to March. These are the months when weather usually remains pleasant in this region. April to June is the summer time with maximum temperature hovering in the range of 104°F to 111°F (40°C to 44°C). July and August are the rainy months, which make the weather pleasant but create waterlogging on the roads.
Odds n' Ends
Sanchi usually remains a peaceful area throughout the year, and visitors hardly face any problems. If you are coming from Bhopal, you can use the bus service or a taxi depending on your budget. The buses take around two hours to reach Sanchi from Bhopal. Sanchi stupas are located about 3 km from the Sanchi bus, and an auto rickshaw from the bus stop to Sanchi stupas charges around Rs.30. If it is not very hot, you can walk up to the stupas while enjoying serene surroundings all around.
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