Sanchi is a tourist place on a hill top in Bhopal madhay pradesh india
Located on the foot of a hill-Sanchi
is just 46 km's Bhopal. it is more a village than town. Sanchi a religious place
with histrorical and Archaeological significance. Sanchi is a sitefor the
numerous stupas which were built on a hill top. The place is related to
Buddishm but not directly to the life of Buddha.
It is more releted to Ashoka than ta
Budha.Ashoka built the first stupa and put up many pillers here. The crown of
famous Ashoka pillers,with lion standing back to back.has been adopted as the
national emblem of india.
Sanchi adopted Buddhism wich replaced
the prominent Hindusim. But time took its toll and slowely both and place were
forgotten.In 1818 Sanchi took was rediscovered and it was found that marvelous
piese of stucture were not in good shape.Gradully histrorial and religious
significance and of the place was recignise d.Restoration work of the stups
started in 1888 and finally between 1912 and 1919 these were carefully repaired
restored.it was accepted that the structure atSanchi are the most organised
construction Which went in to the engineering of temples in the
medieval period.The carving here
are done with the precision of jewellers.
The town of Sanchi is synonymous with
Buddhist stupas –hemispherical structures typically containing relics of the
Buddha or his followers. The stupas
of Sanchi were
constrautedon the ordersof emperor Ashoka to preserve and spread the Buddhist
philosophy. sanchi has been protecting these beautiful and sacred architectural
wonder,just the way these wonder have been safeguarding ancienthistory and art
of the mauryan period. the numerous stups,temple,monasteries and an Ashokan
piller have been the focus of interest and awe for globle audiences as well.In
fect,UNESCO has given the status of ‘would Heritages sites,to the Mahastupa . A
visit to Sanchi will bring alive the awe you felt as a child as you listened to
the tales of Ashoka.
Best season To visit:- This destination can be visited throughout the year, but it’s best to visit in the months of July to April.
What to see
Stupas :- Sanchi has been famous for the stupas which were built on the top of a hill. The purpose of these was mostly religious.The most likely use of the stumps has been said to keep the relice. Some of these stupas have been found countaining relices of disciples of Buddha. Though most of the stupas have been found countaining relices of disciples of Buddha. Though most of the early as the 3rd century and are built in brick made of stone. Though most of the stupas arec in ruins now three remain intact and are of great archaeological value.The designs and the carvings on the walls and gates of these stupas spell a heaventy grace & are very tastefully done.
The four Gate Ways :- The Four gateways constructed in 35 BC are the best form of Buddhist expression one can find any where in the world.Gateways or torans as they are called are covered with explicit carving which depict scenes from the life Buddha and jatakas,the stories relating to Buddha and his earlier births.At this stages Buddha was not represented dierectly but symbols were used to portray him-the lotusrepresentes his birth, the tree his enlightenment,the wheel,derived from The titles of his first sermon,the footprints and throw symblosing his presence.
The Ashoka Pillar :- The Ashoka pillars is one many pillars which are scattered in the area some of these are in broken and some in shape. This is on southern entrance. Today here only the shaft stand and the crown is kept in the museum.The crown is the famous four lions which stand back to back. This figure was adopted as the national Emblem of India. This are an execellent example of he Greco-Buddhist style and is known for the aesthetic proportions and the exquisite structural balance.
The Buddhist Vihara: The earlier monasteries were made from wood which was exquisitely carved and tastefully decorated. The present monasteries are not even the shadow of what they were in the past. A few Kms from sanchi are the relics of the satdhara stupa. The relics are kept in glass casket which is placed on the inner sanctum of the modernmonastery.
The Great Bowl: sanchi had a huge bowl carved out of single rock. Grain was stored in this bowl and it was distributed among the monks in sanchi.
The Museum: ASI maintains a museum which house many items which were discovered during the excavation of sanchi area. Most prized possession of the museum is the lion crown from Ashoka pillar. The museum has a sizeable collection of utensils and other items used by the monks who leved here.
Gupta Temple: This temple is now ruins. The temple was build in 5 the contry and is an excellent of ancient temple architecture in India.
