Information About Sanchi Stupa In Raisen District Of Madhya Pradesh

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India, and an important monument of Indian Architecture. It was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The Sanchi Stupa built during Mauryan period was made of bricks. The composite flourished until the 11th century.

Originally commissioned in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashok this huge hemispherical dome with a height of 54.0 ft consists of a central chamber where the relics of Lord Buddha are placed. Four ornamental gateways facing four directions and a balustrade surrounding the Stupa were later added in the first century BCE.

A typical example of a Stupa and an excellent illustration of the development of Buddhist art and sculpture starting from the third century BC through the twelfth century AD, the Sanchi Stupa attracts hundreds of visitors from across the world

Early inscriptions indicate that the extremely ornate gateways on all four directions and the heavily carved balustrade running the circumference of the Stupa were added to the original structure in the 1st Century BCE in the reign of the Satavahanas. The gateways and the balustrades gives a spectrum of illustrations revolving the life of the Buddha

Sanchi Stupa an excellent illustration of the development of Buddhist art and sculpture starting from the third century BC through the twelfth century AD, the Sanchi Stupa attracts hundreds of visitors from across the world. It was crowned by the chhatri , a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics

The gateways and the balustrades of the Sanchi Stupa gives a spectrum of illustrations revolving the life of the Buddha including tales from Aryasura’s Jatakamala. It is interesting to note the way symbolic manifestations of the Buddha have been used across the carvings in the form of tree or inanimate objects like wheels, thrones or footprints.

The Sanchi Stupa remains open from sunrise to sunset. As climate of the place remains hot throughout the year, the best time to visit Sanchi is during the winters, from November to March. Entry is not free and chargeable.