Sanchi

State:	Madhya Pradesh
District:	Raisen
Location:	23.48^o North and 77.7^o East
Elevation:	434m (1423 ft)
Major Attractions:	Stupas, Ashoka Pillar, Gateways, Buddhist Vihara, The Great Bowl, Gupta Temple and Sanchi Museum
Best Time to Visit:	October to March

Sanchi, crowned with clusters of stupas and monasteries, is one of the most significant visitations of Buddhists from all corner of the globe. Tucked away at an elevation of 1423 ft, it is actually a small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The serene vistas of Sanchi, bedecked with architectural remnants belonging from 3rd century BC to 12th century BC, make the place a historical benchmark for exploring Indian Buddhism. In 1989, these ancient relics of the place were incorporated in the World Heritage enlistment.

The serenity of Sanchi, underlined by its well-preserved monuments in the form of stupas, chaityas, monasteries, temples and gateways, is in consonance with the teachings of Hinayana Buddhist Philosophy. This predominance of Buddhism, in the form of its artwork, makes the place an important religious site of the Buddhists. Apart from being a major pilgrimage destination, Sanchi also unearths the various facts associated with the genesis, efflorescence and culmination of Buddhist art and architecture, covering a span of 1500 years.

Though a place that conjoins the various dimensions of the Buddhist religion; ironically Sanchi was never visited by Buddha during his lifetime. It was in reality the place where King Ashoka gave expression to his newly acquired fervor and reverence for the religion. This religious zeal of Ashoka led to the outcropping of a large number of Buddhist monuments in the place, which still resound with spiritual messages. Though not hallowed by any significant phase of Buddha's life, the mystical contemplation of the place cannot be denied.

Its religious, architectural and archaeological connotations make Sanchi a popular tourist corner, for delving into the true realms of the Buddhist religion. The overpowering sense of calm felt in the place is increased manifold by its panoramic landscape. The well-entrenched lookout points, scattered amidst the hilltops, are ideal for soaking the bucolic tranquility of the place. The Buddhist ambience of the place, coupled with breathtaking beauty, elevates one to the higher planes of spiritual rejuvenation and exaltation. For people willing to experience succoring beauty while in a vacation; Sanchi remains unrivaled.

Sanchi Stupa

The stupa-laden town of Sanchi, located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, takes one on an enchanting journey of the most flourishing periods of Buddhist art and architecture in India. The whole place brims with preserved vestiges of Buddhist architectural legerdemain, from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Due to their beauty preserved across centuries, the historical monuments of Sanchi find incorporation in the World Heritage Sites enlistment. The most significant of all these monuments is the Great Sanchi Stupa.

Generally, stupas are large hemispherical domes with a central chamber, used for interring the holy relics of the Buddha. Thus, the Great Sanchi Stupa, or Stupa Number One, also serves as a chasse or a monstrance. Built by Emperor Ashoka, in 3rd century BC, the nub of the stupa is a hemispherical dome of brick, built over the sacred relics of the Buddha and sheltered by a parasol. Sungas sabotaged this beautiful stupa during the 2nd century BC, only to refurbish it during the later years of their regime.

During the Sunga rule, the stupa was enlarged to twice its original size. Three parasols, within a railing, decked its top, like a dazzling tiara. The three-tiered structure formed the symbol of the Dharma, or the Wheel of Law. Beautiful stones festooned its facades. In addition, railings, staircase and a harmika were also added to the structure. Later, during the Satavahana period, the stupa was further beautified, with carved gateways (toranas) and ornamental balustrades displaying various motifs. Today, the railings girdle a path for circumambulation around the stupa, with four gates facing each direction.

Nevertheless, the most distinguished feature of the Stupa is the way Lord Buddha finds representation here. Instead of an image, he has been represented by various symbols like footprints, wheels, thrones etc. Moreover, the four gateways that flank the stupa contain elaborate depiction of various incidents from the life of the Buddha. They also delineate his previous incarnations as mentioned in the Jataka tales. Due to its historical, architectural and religious importance, this Great Sanchi Stupa is today acclaimed as one of the best Buddhist stupas found across India.

Sanichi Tour, Madhya Pradesh