Quick Facts
Location - 46km east of Bhopal.
How To Reach - The nearest airport is Bhopal that connects with
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Gwalior, and Indore. The railways station at Vidisha
is at 10km from from Sanchi. The network links to Sanchi with Indore, Sagar,
Gwalior, Vidisha and Raisen. Buses are the prominent local transport also
auto rickshaw is convenient transport.
Where To Stay - There are hotels ranging from luxury to economy, at
Sanchi
When To Go - October to March
Tourist Attractions - Great Stupa no.1, The Eastern Gateway, The
Western Gateway, The Northern Gateway, The Southern Gateway, Stupa no.2,
Stupa no.3, The Ashoka Pillar, The Buddhist Vihara, The Great Bowl, The
Gupta temple, The Museum.
Sanchi is famous attraction of Madhya Pradesh and also recognized by UNESCO
as a World Heritage Site. It is located on an isolated hill, 46km from
Bhopal and represent Buddhist history and culture. Renowned for its
exquisite temples, stupas, monasteries dating back from 3rd century BC to
the 12th century AD. The best is undoubtedly Sanchi Stupa, built originally
by Emperor Ashoka. He was a great patron of Buddhism and built temples,
monasteries and other monuments with the help merchants from Vidisha. The
stupas, temples, monasteries are delicately carved with the tale of Buddha's
life and the teachings. It is one of the finest classical art of the world.
The place is a sought after pilgrimage among Buddhist followers and count
sacred place as much as Bodh Gaya or Sarnath. On Buddha purnima, the triple
anniversary of Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana,
Buddhists from all over the world assemble here and celebrate the pious
occasion. After the strong emergence of Hinduism, the site was a forgotten
land. After many centuries, in 1818, a British army officer rediscovered its
treasures, leading to immense damage at the hands of amateur archaeologists
and treasure hunters before a proper restoration took place between 1881 and
1919. The stupas are best visited at dawn and dusk. Sanchi can be visited
from Bhopal but the crossroad villages are also very relaxing spot to spend
the night.
Sights And Activities
Sanchi Stupa
The most visited and probably the most photographed monuments of Madhya
Pradesh. This architectural marvel is dome shaped whose panels are inscribed
with beautiful drawings that showcase life of Buddha. The stupa also
embellished with Brahmi script carved at different places in the stupa. The
construction was started by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century. The
hemispherical dome was made to preserve the relics of Buddha. The stupas of
Sanch has been recognized as a World Heritage Sites.
Ashoka Pillar
The superb pillar was made by Emperor Ashoka in 3ed century and located at
the southern gate of Sanchi Stupa. The pillar is specially beautiful because
of its aesthetic proportions and incredible structural balance. The
architectural style is same as the monument present in Sarnath, only it
doesn't have the 24 spoked dharmachakra or wheel of life. The four lions
that crowned the top of the pillar is no more and have been kept in the
Archaeological Museum nearby.
The Buddhist Viharas
(monasteries)
The sacred monasteries are also one of the major tourist attractions of
Sanchi. The monasteries preserve holy relics of the Satdhara Stupa, these
are preserved in a glass chest inside the inner sanctum, on a high platform.
The viharas are resided few miles away from Sanchi.
Archaeological Museum
It was established by Sir John Marshall in 1919 and has become a major
attraction because of it rich and rare historical keepsakes. The museum was
relocated in 1966 to near Sanchi Stupa. Museum preserve articles to six
periods Satvahana, Maurya, Sunga, Gupta, Post Gupta and Kushana. But the
main attractions of the museum are three images of Buddha: Dhyani Buddha,
Yakshi and Nagarjuna. Also the Ashoka lion capital is what captivates most.
The image shos four lions sitting with their back towards each other and
facing different directions. Museum is open from 10AM to 5PM except on
Friday.
