Sanchi Stupa: Why This Ancient Wonder Is India’s Timeless Buddhist Gem

Bhopal, initially a spontaneous choice for my travels, revealed itself to be a treasure trove of surprises and a collection of dream destinations. It was merely a city, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, until I discovered it was home to the remarkable Sanchi Stupa nearby. Just a short distance from the city, I also uncovered the world-famous Bhimbetka Caves. I am deeply inspired by the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, which guide my life. Visiting the Sanchi Stupa in Bhopal was an unforgettable experience, especially since it coincided with my birthday. The serene atmosphere and historical significance of the Stupa made it one of the most memorable places I have ever visited. The intricate carvings and the sense of tranquility there left a profound impact on me, reinforcing my spiritual journey and connection to Gautama’s wisdom.

While relaxing in my Airbnb, which I had booked online, my host graciously offered several intriguing options for me to explore that day. Sanchi Stupa was one of them. Though the distance was nearly 50 kilometers, I booked a rental cab for the day’s excursion. After enjoying a light breakfast at the property, I set out for a day of exploration in Bhopal. Passing through the vibrant and bustling markets, I stopped at a roadside stall to try Bhopal’s very own poha. This traditional breakfast allowed me to immerse myself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and connect with its local culture. The day was slightly hot, with an overcast sky suggesting rain might be on the way. Leaving the city’s roar behind, we headed to Sanchi, a place renowned for its Buddhist shrine and complex.

1. Historical Significance: Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It represents the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient India.
2. Architectural Marvel: The Stupa is an architectural masterpiece with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict the life and teachings of Buddha. The gateways, or Toranas, are especially notable for their exquisite craftsmanship.
3. Spiritual Experience: As a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sanchi Stupa offers a serene and peaceful environment, making it an ideal place for meditation and introspection. The tranquil surroundings help visitors connect with their inner selves and find spiritual solace.
4. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its historical and cultural importance, Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting this site allows you to witness a piece of global heritage and appreciate the efforts made to preserve it.
5. Educational Insight: For history enthusiasts and students, Sanchi Stupa provides valuable insights into the spread of Buddhism in India and the architectural advancements of that era. The on-site museum further enriches the learning experience with its collection of artifacts and relics.
6. Scenic Beauty: Situated on a hill, Sanchi Stupa offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The lush greenery and panoramic vistas add to the overall experience, making it a perfect spot for photography and nature walks.
7. Cultural Connection: Visiting Sanchi Stupa allows you to connect with India’s diverse cultural fabric. It provides a deeper understanding of the Buddhist traditions and their influence on Indian culture and history.
8. Proximity to Bhopal: Located just about 50 kilometers from Bhopal, Sanchi Stupa is easily accessible and can be visited as a day trip. Its proximity makes it a convenient and worthwhile addition to your itinerary when exploring central India.

Sanchi Stupa is a renowned Buddhist complex located on a hilltop in Sanchi Town, within the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated approximately 23 kilometers from Raisen, the district headquarters, and 46 kilometers (29 miles) northeast of Bhopal, the state capital.

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India and holds significant importance in Indian architecture. Commissioned by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, its nucleus was originally a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. The structure was crowned with a chatra, a parasol-like feature symbolizing high rank, intended to honor and protect the relics. Ashoka oversaw the original construction, and his wife, Devi, who was born in nearby Vidisha, played a significant role in its history. Sanchi was both her birthplace and the site of her marriage to Ashoka. In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added. The stupa built during the Mauryan period was constructed from bricks, and the complex continued to flourish until the 11th century.

Sanchi is surrounded by a region rich in stupas, all within a few miles of the main site. These include Satdhara (9 km west of Sanchi, with 40 stupas, including the relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana), Bhojpur (also known as Morel Khurd, a fortified hilltop with 60 stupas), and Andher (11 km and 17 km southeast of Sanchi, respectively), as well as Sonari (10 km southwest of Sanchi). Further south, about 100 km away, lies Saru Maru, and Bharhut is 300 km to the northeast.

The Sanchi Stupa is depicted on the reverse side of the Indian ₹200 currency note, underscoring its importance to India’s cultural heritage.

The Sanchi Stupa holds immense historical importance as one of the earliest and most revered Buddhist sites in India, featuring some of the oldest stone structures in the country.

The construction of the Great Stupa at Sanchi dates back to the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, one of India’s most illustrious rulers. Ashoka, who embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War, commissioned the Stupa as a monument to house the relics of the Buddha. The construction of this sacred site is believed to have been overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Queen Devi, and their daughter. The Stupa served not only as a religious monument but also as a symbol of Ashoka’s deep commitment to the spread of Buddhism.

However, the original structure faced destruction in the 2nd century BCE, allegedly at the hands of Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Shunga Dynasty. Despite this, his son, Agnimitra, took it upon himself to restore and enlarge the Stupa, using stone slabs to reinforce the structure. This period marked significant architectural advancements, leading to the expansion of the Stupa and the construction of additional stupas in the region, including Stupa-2 and Stupa-3, which were also built during the Shunga Dynasty’s reign.

In the 1st century BCE, under the rule of the Satavahana Dynasty, the Sanchi Stupa underwent further enhancements. The four magnificent toranas, or gateways, were added during this period, featuring intricate carvings that depicted scenes from the life of the Buddha and various Jataka tales. These gateways enhanced the Stupa’s symbolic representation as the Wheel of Law (Dharma), signifying the spread of Buddha’s teachings across the world.

The Sanchi complex continued to thrive as a center of Buddhist activity until the 12th century CE. However, with the decline of Buddhism in India, the site gradually fell into obscurity.

The Sanchi Stupa re-entered historical records when it was mentioned by British officer Captain Edward Fell in 1819 CE. The site was later rediscovered and extensively restored in 1919 under the guidance of Sir John Hubert Marshall, the then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. Marshall’s efforts helped preserve the Stupa and its surrounding monuments, ensuring their place in the annals of Indian heritage.

Today, the Sanchi Stupa stands as a timeless symbol of India’s rich cultural and religious history, reflecting the evolution of Buddhist art and architecture over centuries.

The architectural brilliance of the Sanchi Stupa lies in its simplicity and symbolic design, which has captivated historians, architects, and travelers for centuries. The Stupa, originally constructed during the Mauryan period, exemplifies the elegance of early Buddhist architecture and the artistic vision of Emperor Ashoka.

The Hemispherical Dome

At the heart of the Great Stupa is its massive hemispherical dome, known as the Anda, representing the mound of dirt used to cover the Buddha’s remains. This dome is a symbol of the cosmic world and serves as a meditative space, evoking a sense of peace and spiritual reflection. Made from bricks and stone, the dome was initially a solid structure, and its simple, unadorned form speaks to the humility and serenity central to Buddhist philosophy.

The Chatra

Crowning the Stupa is the chatra, a triple-tiered umbrella-like structure that signifies the spiritual sovereignty of the Buddha. Each tier of the chatra represents the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community). Positioned atop the dome, it serves as a beacon of enlightenment, offering protection and honor to the sacred relics enshrined within.

The Toranas

One of the most striking features added in the 1st century BCE are the four toranas, or ornamental gateways, positioned at the cardinal points around the Stupa. These gateways are masterpieces of intricate stone carving, depicting various scenes from the Jataka tales, which recount the previous lives of the Buddha. Each torana is adorned with elaborate sculptures of animals, plants, and divine beings, all skillfully interwoven to narrate the journey of the Buddha and the principles of Dharma. These gateways are not merely entrances but are symbolic of the crossing from the secular to the sacred.

The Medhi and Vedika

Encircling the Stupa is the medhi, a raised terrace that allows for ritual circumambulation, known as pradakshina. Devotees walk around the Stupa in a clockwise direction, a practice believed to bring good karma. The medhi is bordered by the vedika, a stone railing that further emphasizes the sacred nature of the space. The vedika, adorned with relief carvings, separates the outer world from the sanctity of the Stupa and adds to the overall grandeur of the monument.

Symbolic Significance

Every element of the Sanchi Stupa’s architecture is imbued with symbolic meaning, reflecting the core teachings of Buddhism. The circular design of the Stupa represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, while the dome’s unity and simplicity symbolize the infinite nature of the cosmos. The Stupa as a whole serves as a physical embodiment of the Buddha’s path to enlightenment, offering a space for reflection, devotion, and spiritual growth.

The architectural marvel of Sanchi Stupa is not just in its physical form but also in its ability to convey profound spiritual truths through stone and space. It stands as a timeless testament to the ingenuity and spiritual depth of ancient Indian architecture.

Sanchi is not only home to the famous Great Stupa but also offers a wealth of historical and architectural treasures that reflect the rich heritage of early Buddhism in India. Here are some of the key sites and attractions to explore at Sanchi:

1. The Great Stupa (Stupa No. 1)

The centerpiece of Sanchi, the Great Stupa, is a magnificent structure that stands as a symbol of the Buddha’s teachings. Its hemispherical dome, surrounded by four intricately carved toranas (gateways), is a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture. The toranas depict various scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as symbols of Buddhist cosmology and teachings.

2. Stupa No. 2

Located on a lower terrace, Stupa No. 2 is notable for its richly decorated stone railings, which feature elaborate carvings of flora, fauna, and mythical creatures. This smaller stupa is believed to have housed the relics of important Buddhist figures and offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to the Great Stupa.

3. Stupa No. 3

Stupa No. 3, situated near the Great Stupa, is known for its elegant structure and the well-preserved relic caskets found within. It also has a single torana, which is simpler in design but still rich in symbolic meaning. This stupa is thought to have enshrined the relics of two of the Buddha’s foremost disciples, Sariputra and Mahamoggallana.

4. Ashoka Pillar

The Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi, though partially broken, is an iconic monument that showcases the Mauryan emperor’s dedication to spreading Buddhist ideals. The pillar, with its polished sandstone surface and graceful lion capital, is reminiscent of the famous Ashokan pillars found at other Buddhist sites, symbolizing the emperor’s power and piety.

5. The Eastern Gateway

One of the four gateways of the Great Stupa, the Eastern Gateway is particularly significant as it is believed to represent the birth of the Buddha. The carvings on this gateway depict various scenes from his life, including the dream of Queen Maya, his mother, foretelling his birth.

6. The Sanchi Museum

Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Sanchi Museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts excavated from the Sanchi site and surrounding areas. Visitors can explore ancient sculptures, inscriptions, and relics that provide deeper insights into the history and cultural significance of Sanchi.

7. Monasteries and Viharas

The Sanchi complex includes the ruins of several monasteries (viharas) that were once centers of learning and meditation for Buddhist monks. These structures, though now in ruins, offer a glimpse into the monastic life that flourished at Sanchi and are a testament to the site’s role as a major religious and educational hub.

8. Temple 17

Temple 17 is a small but significant Gupta-era temple located within the Sanchi complex. It is one of the earliest examples of temple architecture in India, with a simple yet elegant design. The temple’s flat roof and square sanctum reflect the architectural style of the early Gupta period.

9. Temple 45

Temple 45, one of the later additions to the Sanchi complex, dates back to the 7th century CE. Though now in ruins, it was once a large and ornate structure that served as a major place of worship. The temple is an excellent example of the evolution of temple architecture in India.

10. The Southern Gateway

The Southern Gateway of the Great Stupa is renowned for its detailed carvings, which depict the enlightenment of the Buddha under the Bodhi tree. This gateway offers a rich visual narrative of the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and the various events that followed.

This wonderful visit to Sanchi Stupa left a profound impact on me, especially as a follower of Buddha. The experience was more than just a journey to an ancient site; it was a pilgrimage to a place of immense spiritual and historical significance. The moment I laid eyes on the Great Stupa, I felt a deep connection to the teachings of Buddha and the centuries of devotion that have been centered around this sacred site.

Walking around the massive dome, I marveled at the intricate carvings on the toranas, each telling stories from the Jataka tales and the life of Buddha. The serenity of the surroundings and the echoes of ancient chants filled me with a sense of peace and introspection. The Ashoka Pillar, though partially in ruins, stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Emperor Ashoka’s dedication to spreading the Dharma.

This visit was not just about exploring a historical monument; it was a journey inward, a chance to reflect on the teachings of Buddha and their relevance in my life. Sanchi Stupa will always remain a place of deep personal significance, a symbol of the timeless wisdom that continues to guide me.