Facts and Figures Languages Hindi STD Code 07482 LOCATION Sanchi, a historical site of Madhya Pradesh is located at 46 Kilometers northeast of Bhopal. Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh in India. PAST Undoubtedly a rich past has merged with this earliest Buddhist cultural center. The remnants of abundance of stupas and other historical monuments belong to Buddhist period shows that Sanchi was a prominent Buddhist center from the reign of Emperor Ashoka. The saga of Sanchi clearly says that it was not a place, which has a direct connection with Buddhism. In his relentless attempt to popularize Buddhism, Emperor Ashoka has developed Sanchi as a Buddhist center. He has taken initiatives to make the first Stupas (pillars) here in 3rd century BC for which Sanchi is famous. In the following years many of such pillars and many other kinds of religious structures have constructed.

In the later period as the Buddhism has decayed from its native land and the Hinduism absorbed it back into its own roots, the site lost its religious relevance and hence the spot became completely forgotten. In 1818 a British archeologist rediscovered the site, but the later amateur archeologists and plunderers have started to exploit the worth of it and damaged. Fortunately, the proper restoration was started in 1881. In the early decades of 20th century, the structures were carefully repaired and restored, which remains sill, by the then archeological department under the supreme leadership of Sir. John Marshal. SITES TO VISIT Sanchi offers many worth mentioning monuments to be visited for a curious traveler interested in history and culture. The main spots to be visited include pillars, museums, temples monasteries etc. The Archeological Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm except on Fridays. This museum houses a number of sculptures collected from the site. One of the celebrated pieces of collections one can find here is the lion capital from the Ashoka Pillar. Yet another piece to be mentioned is that of a Yakshi (maiden) hanging from the figure of a mango tree. The beautiful Budha figure in the red stone is also interested to see.

The main structure on the Sanchi hill is Great Stupa, listed as Stupa 1 among many of the stupas found here. It has originally constructed in 3rd BC by the Great Emperor Asoka. It is found that later it has enlarged and the original brick-made Stupa has enclosed within a stone. The magnificently carved gateways are called toranas. As the finest examples of Buddhist art in India these toranas can be cited.

Four in number these Toranas consisted of brilliantly carved scenes from the tales of Jatakas, the various episodes of the lives of Lord Budha. At this particular period of construction Budha was never directly represented in Buddhist art, but was through symbols only. While the lotus symbolizes his divine birth, the “bo” tree stands for his so-called enlightenment, the wheel stands for his profound wisdom and teachings, the footprint and throne symbolize his eternal presence. The very Stupa itself is a symbol of Lord Budha.

The Northern Gateway is one of the best preserved of the toranas. It has topped by a broken wheel of law. Symbolically a monkey is offering a “bo” tree to Lord Budha that indicates a bowl of honey.

The Eastern Gateway mainly enshrines a pillar that has the scenes of Buddha’s entry into nirvana. A horse rider symbolizes Lord Budha here. Another scene illustrate Maya’s dream, the mother of Lord Budha, when she had conceived Budha. The figure of Yakshi is one of the best-known images of Sanchi.

Oldest of the gateways the Southern gateway includes scenes of Buddha’s birth and some of the events from Ashoka’s life as a Buddhist. The tale of Chhaddanta Jataka is also featured on this gateway.

Supported by dwarfs the Western Gateway also holds some of the interesting scenes. One of the pillars illustrates the temptations of Mara, Buddha’s seven different incarnations etc. Here Budha represents three times as a Stupa and four times as a tree. One of the stories of the carvings of Western gateway unfolds how Budha incarnated into a six-tusked elephant. The tale goes that one of his wives got jealous of him, and then she formed herself in the form of yet another six tusked elephant and killed him.

Other Stupas & Pillars - Out of the eight Stupas built at the time of Ashoka , only three are remaining. The heights of all these Stupas are different. Stupa 2 includes mythological figures and Stupa 3 contained the remnants of the disciples of Lord Budha. In 1853 they were taken to England and then brought back and protected here. Here one can also see Stupas no 3 & 4. The other important Pillars are pillars no 10, 25 & 35.

SITES NEARBY
An important place called Vidisha is the birth place of the wife of Great Ashoka. Later it has become the largest site of the area. Vidisha was renamed many times as Besnagar, Bhils, etc.

The Caves of Udayagiri is dates from 320 to 600 AD those enshrines some temples of Hindu and Jain. Particularly these caves are holding the remains of Guptha period of India.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Chethiyagiri Vihara festival attracts a large number of pilgrims, celebrated every year in November. It is a Buddhist festival.

WHERE TO STAY
As Sanchi is peaceful area one or two overnight stay is advisable. Small guesthouses and lodges are available here apart from the monasteries.

HOW TO REACH
By Air: The nearest airport to Sanchi is the Bhopal Domestic airport, 46 km away. Flights to major cities are available here.

By Rail: Sanchi is 46 km north of Bhopal on the way to Mumbai from Delhi. The Express trains are operating to and from Sanchi by connecting Bhopal.

By Road: Frequent buses connect Sanchi and Bhopal. In the vicinity pf Sanchi a half an hour journey to Vidisha and Udaygiri Caves are also possible by rented bikes.

INFORMATION
As the important sites are located nearby, the rented Bicycles and bikes, here available plenty are more convenient to the visitors.