Have you ever wondered what the oldest stone structure in India is? Or what the symbol on the Indian currency notes represents? Or where you can find some of the finest examples of Buddhist art and architecture? The answer to all these questions is the Sanchi Stupa, a magnificent monument that dates back to the 3rd century BCE and showcases the rich and diverse heritage of India.
The Sanchi Stupa is a large hemispherical dome that contains the relics of Buddha and his disciples. It is surrounded by four ornate gateways that depict the life and teachings of Buddha and other Buddhist stories in exquisite sculptures and carvings. The Sanchi Stupa is not only a sacred site for the Buddhists, but also a cultural and historical treasure for the world. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a national emblem of India.
In this article, we will explore the Sanchi Stupa in detail, covering its history, architecture, significance, and location. We will also provide you with some useful tips and suggestions on how to plan your trip to this ancient and awe-inspiring site. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, you will find something to admire and appreciate at the Sanchi Stupa.
Sanchi Stupa History
The Sanchi Stupa has a long and fascinating history that spans over two millennia. It was originally built by Emperor Ashoka, the most famous ruler of the Mauryan Empire and a devout follower of Buddhism. Ashoka was so impressed by the serenity and beauty of the Sanchi hill that he decided to erect a stupa there to enshrine the relics of Buddha and his disciples. He also built a monastic complex around the stupa for the Buddhist monks and nuns.
The Sanchi Stupa was not a static monument, but a dynamic and evolving one. Over the centuries, it underwent several changes and additions by different dynasties and rulers. The most notable ones are:
The Shunga Dynasty (2nd-1st century BCE): The Shungas enlarged the original stupa and added a stone railing and a stone umbrella on top of it. They also built two more stupas and several temples near the main stupa.
The Satavahana Dynasty (1st-3rd century CE): The Satavahanas embellished the stupa with four magnificent gateways or toranas, each facing a cardinal direction. The gateways are decorated with intricate sculptures and carvings that depict the life and teachings of Buddha and other Buddhist stories. They are considered to be the finest examples of early Indian art and architecture.
The Gupta Dynasty (4th-6th century CE): The Guptas renovated the stupa and added a balustrade and a staircase to the dome. They also built a temple in front of the stupa, which is the oldest surviving example of a free-standing temple in India.
The Medieval Period (7th-13th century CE): The Sanchi Stupa witnessed a decline and decay during the medieval period, as Buddhism lost its popularity and patronage in India. The site was abandoned and forgotten, and suffered from vandalism and neglect.
The British Period (19th-20th century CE): The Sanchi Stupa was rediscovered and restored by the British archaeologists, especially Sir Alexander Cunningham and Sir John Marshall. They excavated and conserved the site, and also established a museum to display the artifacts and sculptures found there.
The Modern Period (21st century CE): The Sanchi Stupa is now a well-maintained and well-protected site, under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India and the UNESCO. It attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year, who come to admire and appreciate its beauty and significance.
Sanchi Stupa Architecture
The Sanchi Stupa is a marvel of Buddhist art and architecture, that reflects the skill, creativity, and diversity of the Indian craftsmen and artists. The main features of the Sanchi Stupa are:
The Dome and the Drum: The dome or the anda is the main body of the stupa, which contains the relics of Buddha and his disciples. It is made of bricks and covered with a layer of stone. It has a diameter of about 36 meters and a height of about 16 meters. The drum or the medhi is the circular base of the dome, which has a diameter of about 47 meters and a height of about 6 meters. It has a stone railing or vedika around it, with four openings or gateways or toranas.
The Chatra and the Railing: The chatra or the umbrella is the crowning element of the stupa, which symbolizes the sovereignty and protection of Buddha. It is made of stone and has three tiers, each representing one of the three jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The railing or the harmika is the square platform on top of the dome, which supports the chatra. It has four stone pillars at the corners, and four stone bars at the sides, forming a fence or a railing. The railing or the vedika around the drum has 60 stone pillars, connected by crossbars and coping stones. The pillars have lotus-shaped capitals and bases, and the crossbars have floral and geometric motifs.
The Gateways and the Pillars: The gateways or the toranas are the most remarkable and distinctive features of the Sanchi Stupa. They are four in number, each facing a cardinal direction: east, west, north, and south. They are made of sandstone and have a height of about 10 meters and a width of about 7 meters. They consist of two square pillars, topped by three architraves or beams, and crowned by a finial or a crest. The pillars and the architraves are profusely carved with sculptures and carvings that depict the life and teachings of Buddha and other Buddhist stories. The sculptures and carvings are in high relief and low relief, and use various techniques such as aniconism, symbolism, narration, and expression. The gateways are considered to be the masterpieces of early Indian art and architecture, and have influenced many other Buddhist monuments and cultures. The pillars or the ashokan pillars are four in number, located near the four gateways. They are made of polished sandstone and have a height of about 12 meters. They have a cylindrical shaft, a bell-shaped capital, and a lion or an elephant figure on top. They were erected by Emperor Ashoka, and bear his edicts or inscriptions that promote the moral and social values of Buddhism.
The Sculptures and the Carvings: The sculptures and the carvings that adorn the gateways and the pillars of the Sanchi Stupa are the finest examples of Buddhist art and architecture. They depict the life and teachings of Buddha and other Buddhist stories in a vivid and lively manner. They use various symbols and motifs to represent Buddha and his concepts, such as the lotus, the wheel, the tree, the footprints, the throne, the stupa, the lion, the elephant, the horse, the deer, the peacock, the swastika, the triratna, and the dharmachakra. They also depict the scenes and events from the life of Buddha, such as his birth, his renunciation, his enlightenment, his first sermon, his miracles, his parinirvana, and his relics. They also depict the stories and legends from the Jataka tales, the Avadana tales, and the Mahayana sutras, such as the story of the four friends, the story of the monkey king, the story of the elephant and the six blind men, the story of the bodhisattva and the tigress, and the story of the bodhisattva and the hungry ghost. They also depict the scenes and characters from the contemporary society and culture, such as the kings, the queens, the princes, the princesses, the nobles, the warriors, the monks, the nuns, the merchants, the farmers, the artisans, the musicians, the dancers, the animals, the birds, the plants, the flowers, the fruits, the mountains, the rivers, the buildings, and the vehicles. They use various styles, techniques, and influences to create the sculptures and carvings, such as the Hellenistic, the Persian, the Scythian, the Parthian, the Gandharan, the Mathuran, and the Amaravati. They use various elements, such as the proportion, the perspective, the volume, the texture, the color, the light, the shadow, the movement, the gesture, the expression, the emotion, the symbolism, and the narration. They create a harmonious and balanced composition, that reflects the beauty and diversity of the Indian art and architecture.
Sanchi Stupa Significance
The Sanchi Stupa is not just a monument, but a symbol of the Buddhist faith, art, and architecture. It has a religious, cultural, and historical significance that transcends time and space. Some of the aspects that make the Sanchi Stupa significant are:
Buddhist Faith and Spirituality: The Sanchi Stupa is a sacred site for the Buddhists, as it contains the relics of Buddha and his disciples. It is also a place where the Buddhists can practice their rituals, meditations, and prayers. The Sanchi Stupa represents the core concepts and values of Buddhism, such as the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the three jewels, the five precepts, the law of karma, the cycle of rebirth, and the goal of nirvana. The Sanchi Stupa also reflects the diversity and evolution of Buddhism, as it showcases the different schools and sects of Buddhism, such as the Theravada, the Mahayana, and the Vajrayana.
Buddhist Art and Architecture: The Sanchi Stupa is a masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture, that showcases the skill, creativity, and diversity of the Indian craftsmen and artists. It is one of the oldest and finest examples of stone architecture in India, and one of the most elaborate and ornate examples of stupa architecture in the world. It is also one of the most influential and inspiring examples of Buddhist art and architecture, as it has influenced many other Buddhist monuments and cultures, such as the Ajanta Caves, the Ellora Caves, the Borobudur Temple, the Angkor Wat Temple, and the Bamiyan Buddhas.
Buddhist Heritage and Legacy: The Sanchi Stupa is a cultural and historical treasure for the world, as it preserves and showcases the rich and diverse heritage and legacy of Buddhism. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a national emblem of India. It is also a source of pride and inspiration for the Indians, as it reflects the ancient and glorious civilization and culture of India. It is also a source of knowledge and wisdom for the world, as it reveals the ancient and profound teachings and stories of Buddhism.
Sanchi Stupa Location
The Sanchi Stupa is located on a hilltop in the town of Sanchi, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, in central India. It is about 46 kilometers from the city of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. It is also close to other historical and cultural sites, such as the Udayagiri Caves, the Bhojpur Temple, the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and the Vidisha Museum.
If you are planning to visit the Sanchi Stupa, here are some useful tips and suggestions for you:
How to Reach and Entry Fees: You can reach the Sanchi Stupa by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is the Bhopal Airport, which is about 55 kilometers from the site. The nearest railway station is the Sanchi Railway Station, which is about 10 kilometers from the site. The nearest bus station is the Sanchi Bus Station, which is about 1 kilometer from the site. You can also hire a taxi or a car from Bhopal or Vidisha to reach the site. The entry fee for the Sanchi Stupa is Rs. 30 for Indian citizens and Rs. 500 for foreign nationals. The entry fee for the Sanchi Museum is Rs. 5 for Indian citizens and Rs. 100 for foreign nationals. The entry fee for the Sanchi Virtual Tour is Rs. 10 for Indian citizens and Rs. 200 for foreign nationals.
Best Time to Visit and Timings: The best time to visit the Sanchi Stupa is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The site is open from sunrise to sunset, every day of the week. The Sanchi Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Fridays. The Sanchi Virtual Tour is open from 10 am to 4 pm, except on Mondays.
What to Do and Tips: You can do a lot of things at the Sanchi Stupa, such as:
- Explore the stupa and admire its architecture and sculptures
- Learn about the history and significance of the site from the guides and the information boards
- Visit the museum and see the artifacts and sculptures displayed there
- Take the virtual tour and experience the site in a 3D and interactive way
- Enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the hilltop
- Meditate and pray at the stupa and feel the peace and tranquility
- Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the nearby stalls and shops
- Taste the local cuisine and delicacies at the nearby restaurants and cafes
- Some of the tips that you should follow while visiting the Sanchi Stupa are:
- Respect the sanctity and the rules of the site, and do not touch or damage the stupa or the sculptures
- Dress modestly and cover your head, shoulders, and knees, as the site is a religious place
- Remove your shoes and socks before entering the stupa or the temple
- Do not take photos or videos inside the stupa or the temple, or of the relics or the sculptures
- Do not litter or make noise at the site, and keep the environment clean and quiet
- Carry a water bottle, a hat, a sunscreen, and a camera with you, as the site can be hot and sunny
- Beware of the monkeys and the dogs at the site, and do not feed or provoke them
Conclusion
The Sanchi Stupa is a masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture, that has a religious, cultural, and historical significance. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national emblem of India. It is a place where you can learn about the history, architecture, significance, and location of the Sanchi Stupa, and also experience the beauty, diversity, and spirituality of the Buddhist faith and culture. It is a place that you should not miss, if you are looking for a memorable and enriching trip to India.
We hope that this article has helped you to know more about the Sanchi Stupa, and has inspired you to plan your trip to this ancient and awe-inspiring site.
