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Witnessing the horrific destruction of the Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE to promote non-violence. He then commissioned the construction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas across the country. The Sanchi Stupa, built in the 3rd century BCE, narrates the life journey of Lord Buddha and conveys a message of world peace.
The Sanchi Stupa holds a rich history spanning from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE. It even reflects glimpses of Greek civilization. The main structure of this stupa is a massive hemispherical dome, symbolising Mount Meru, the mythical cosmic mountain in Buddhist cosmology.
The entire life journey of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, from his birth in Lumbini, Nepal, to his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, his first sermon in Sarnath, and finally his Nirvana i...
Beyond Stupas: Viharas and Chaityalayas
Apart from stupas and pillars, Emperor Ashoka also constructed viharas and chaityas for communal prayers. The Sanchi Stupa complex also houses the remains of a large mandap showcasing Indo-Greek architecture.
The Heliodorus Pillar, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, still stands in Vidisha, showcasing Greek architecture. Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador who visited Vidisha, is the namesake of the pillar.
After the decline of Buddhism in India, stupas, monasteries, and other monuments were neglected, leaving these heritage sites in a dilapidated state today. In 1989, the Sanchi Stupa was declared a World Heritage Site, and its maintenance and authority currently lies with the Archaeological Survey of India.
Sanchi, Vidisha, and Udayagiri are situated on the Malwa Plateau, which is a northwestern ext...
Sanchi is a small town near Vidisha district in Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage site. Since it has excellent road and rail connectivity, you can reach here with ease.
By Air: The closest airport to Sanchi is Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal Airport) in Gandhi Nagar, Bhopal, approximately 55 kilometres away. You can take a taxi or prepaid cab from the airport to Sanchi, which takes about an hour and a half.
By Train: Sanchi has its own small and clean railway station. Various trains that connect to Bhopal may include Sanchi and Vidisha as stoppages. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Bhopal Junction or Vidisha, both of which offer private cabs, shared taxis, and buses to Sanchi.
By Road: Sanchi is well-connected by road to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states. You can drive your car or catch a bus from major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Sagar, and Jabalpur.
Note: If you're planning a trip to Vidisha and Bhopal with your family, it will be convenient to reach Bhopal first and then hire a taxi to Sanchi.
Tip: You can also rent a bike from Bhopal to explore the region. However, hiring a bike is not recommended if you are travelling with children.
Sanchi Stupa: This vibrant monument, standing tall for nearly 2300 years, continues to convey the message of embracing non-violence. Buddhism served as a powerful counter to the prevailing caste system in India, but Hindu orthodoxy was revived in the 11th century under the leadership of Adi Shankaracharya.
The exquisite stone carvings depicting the life of Buddha are nothing short of a marvel. As it is a World Heritage Site, foreign tourists also show keen interest in visiting this site.
Archaeological Museum: In 1919, Sir John Marshall, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), established this museum in a small building. His aim was to provide a secure space for preserving the deteriorating and vanishing heritage of Sanchi and its surroundings.
Today, this museum houses a collection of many significant artefacts related to Indian history. The museum showcases a plethora of materials associated with Buddhism in India and the Mauryan, Gupta, and other dynasties. This museum is located just 1 km from the Sanchi Stupa, easily accessible on foot.
Bouddha Smarak, Satdhara Tapobhoomi: Situated about 9 km from Sanchi, this is a popular archaeological site along with the Sanchi Stupa, where stupas dating back to the 2nd century BCE are present. Since many ascetics and Buddhist monks have spent their lives here at different points in time, it is referred to as a 'tapobhoomi' (land of austerity). When you are dedicating your time to the Sanchi Stupa, you should definitely take some time out for this place as well.
Udayagiri Caves: The Udayagiri Caves, located about 9 km from the Sanchi Stupa, are believed to date back to the 3rd to 5th centuries CE. The credit for converting these caves into temples or residences for monks is given to the Gupta dynasty. Out of a total of 20 caves, 18 are dedicated to Hindu deities, showcasing various forms of Vishnu.
The remaining two caves are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, and their statues add to the splendour of these caves. Carved out of sandstone, these Jain caves are considered among the oldest Jain structures in India. Additionally, there is a statue of Lord Ganesha installed here, which is said to be the oldest Ganesha statue in India.
Bhopal: Founded in the 11th century by the renowned ruler Raja Bhoj, the city of Bhopal is today the capital of Madhya Pradesh. This vibrant city offers you all kinds of vibes. The cleanliness of its streets might surprise you. Bhojtal Lake, Van Vihar National Park, Taj Mahal Masjid, Tribal Museum, and Bhojpur Stupa are among the main attractions of Bhopal.
Step Back to the Era when Buddhism Dominated India
After the Kalinga war, Emperor Ashoka realised that wars only bring destruction to both nature and humanity. Embracing Buddhism, he began his campaign to spread love and peace. According to the Ashokavadana, Ashoka built an astonishing 84,000 stupas, viharas, and other Buddhist structures across India and Central Asia. The period following Ashoka's reign is often regarded as the Golden Age of the Indian Plateau.
However, after the decline of the Maurya Empire, India saw the fragmentation into smaller dynasties and faced invasions from foreign powers like the Indo-Greeks, Indo-Scythians, and Indo-Parthians. Visiting the Sanchi Stupa allows you to delve deep into this rich history and imagine the grand drama of that era.
Witness the Oldest Carvings of Hindu Deities
The Udayagiri Caves feature outstanding carvings of deities worshipped in Hinduism, particularly Vishnu and Shiva. These sandstone carvings have lost some of their original finish due to prolonged neglect, yet they remain impressive. Among them is a statue of Lord Ganesha, said to be the oldest carving of Ganesha in India. These magnificent carvings not only showcase a rich cultural heritage but also highlight the strong belief systems of the time.
Savour the Diverse Flavours of Bhopal
Bhopal is a city rich in cultural diversity, exemplifying harmonious coexistence. Hindus and Muslims, the two dominant cultures in the region, live peacefully while embracing each other's presence. Bhopal is home to Birla Mandir, Iskcon Temple, and Bhojpur Temple, as well as the Taj-ul-Masajid, one of the largest mosques in India.
The city offers a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines, catering to all tastes. When in Bhopal, be sure to capture the beauty of this blended cultural heritage.
Tips to consider when planning a trip to Sanchi Stupa:
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