Sanchi Stupa Tourism Packages
Good to know things about Sanchi Stupa
Great Stupa
The Great Stupa in Sanchi is one of India's oldest and best-preserved stupas. It was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BCE to house Lord Buddha's relics. The stupa is a hemispherical construction with a central chamber containing the relics and four toranas (ornamental entrances) embellished with elaborate sculptures depicting scenes from Buddha's life.
Ashoka's Pillar
There is also an Ashoka Pillar in Sanchi, known as the Ashoka Pillar in Sanchi. It boasts a four-lion capital, which has been selected as India's national emblem. The pillar is built of sandstone and is finely polished. It is located near the Great Stupa's Southern Gateway and is an important archaeological and artistic element at the site.
Toranas (Gateways)
Sanchi Stupa is well-known for its four intricately carved toranas or entrances, each facing one of the four cardinal directions. These gateways are ornately painted with scenes from Buddha's life, Jataka tales, and mythological and historical events. The carvings are not only visually rich, but they also provide vital insights into ancient India's cultural and religious life.
Monasteries and Other Stupas
Sanchi is home to various monasteries, temples, and lesser stupas in addition to the Great Stupa. The site has the ruins of multiple stupas and constructions built at various times, demonstrating the evolution of Buddhist architecture over time. Buddhist monks lived and practiced their beliefs in the monasteries, known as viharas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sanchi Stupa a popular tourist attraction?
Can we go inside Sanchi Stupa?
The primary attraction is, of course, Sanchi Stupa. This large dome-shaped religious structure is approximately 36.5 metres (120 feet) broad and 16.4 metres (54 feet) high, however entry is not permitted. Instead, Buddhists worship it by circumambulating it clockwise.
What is the Speciality of Sanchi Stupa?
Which city is near to Sanchi Stupa?
The Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex on a hilltop in Sanchi Town, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh, India, known for its Great Stupa. It is about 50 km from Bhopa’s capital city, towards Vidisha.
Which day Sanchi Stupa closed?
On Fridays, the museum is closed for repair. The entry fee for this event is INR 5. In 1818, General Taylor, a British officer, was the first to document the Great Stupa in Sanchi.