A trip to Sanchi will certainly offer a deeper insight into the rich cultural, architectural and religious heritage of India. Sanchi has become a popular tourist destination off late in Madhya Pradesh. Located 46 kms from Bhopal, Sanchi is a small village and a Buddhist Pilgrimage centre. Although Sanchi does not have great significance or consequences in Buddhist history, lot of monasteries and pilgrimage centers are present here. It is the architecture that brings back the prestine glory of Buddhism which went on to become a well-preserved tourist attraction. The Ashoka Pillar and the Sanchi Stupa are famous all over the world for showcasing the earliest forms of Buddhist architecture that were the inspiration for many other buildings. It is an ideal holiday destination for those who seek solace from the crowded cities, want to enjoy architecture and learn a little about Buddhism.
History:
The history of Sanchi can be traced back to the 3rd century B.C. There a great number of Stupas, temples, pillars and monasteries. While Sanchi does not have any direct connection with the life of Buddha, it was Emperor Ashoka who built the first Stupa in the 3rd century after which other religious structures were also built. The Stupas were the earliest forms of Buddhist architecture and were the inspiration for many other buildings. Emperor Ashoka had come to Sanchi and here he in fell in love with the daughter of a local merchant who convinced him to stay back in Sanchi after she refused to go to Patliputra with him. As Hinduism revived, the splendours of architecture in Sanchi were forgotten and revived only in 1818 when it was re-discovered by a British officer General Taylor. By 1912 systematic restoration of this site began under the supervision of Sir John Marshall.
Summer in Sanchi is very hot with the temperature soaring upto 40°C, so try to avoid scheduling your trip starting March to June. The Monsoon follow Summer and last from June to September. The best time to plan a trip to Sanchi is during the Winter when the weather is pleasant from November to February. In February, the festival of Chethiyagiri Vihara is also celebrated in Sanchi in a unique way.
No permits are required to travel to Bhopal other than a visa for India.
The best option is to exchange currency at Bhopal. Very few hotels are able to exchange currency/travellers cheques though one can get a better rate at bigger bank branches. At Sanchi very few shops and establishments would accept Visa and Mastercard.
Getting Around- By Air
Bhopal Airport is the major airport which is nearest to Sanchi. It is a 46 kms drive from Bhopal to Sanchi. The Bhopal is one of the important domestic airports and is well connected to the other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ujjain, Indore by regular flights.
Getting Around –By Road
The best way to reach Sanchi is by bus. Once in Bhopal, it is only a 46 kms drive till Sanchi. There are numerous buses that ply between Bhopal and Sanchi. There is a bus almost every hour. Another option is to reach Vidisha and another important town of the area. The MP Tourism also arranges for one day tours to Sanchi from Bhopal. One could also hire a cab from Bhopal to Sanchi.
Getting Around –By Train
Sanchi is located on the main Delhi to Mumbai railway line and there are express trains which connect Bhopal with Sanchi and covers the distance in an hour time. It is almost an hour’s journey by train.
The Gateways at Sanchi The Eastern Gateway depicts Gautama leaving his father’s Palace and his journey of enlightenment and the dream his mother had before his birth. The Western Gateway shows the seven incarnations of the Buddha. The Northern Gateway depicts the miracles associated with the Buddha as told in the jatakas. The Southern Gateway depicts the birth of Gautama in a series of rich carvings.
StupasThe Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the third century. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the chhatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. The Stupas are the foremost tourist attraction in Sanchi. A stupa is a dome shaped building and the panels with drawings that depict the life of Buddha. Along with these inscriptions is the Brahmi scrip that is engraved on the Stupa at various places. The UNESCO has recognized the Stupas of Sanchi as a world heritage site.
Stupa 1 This Stupa is believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. It measures to 16.4 Mt in height and 36.5 mt in diameter.
Stupa 2 This Stupa stands out with the stone balustrades that surround it. This Stupa is located high on the hill egde.
Stupa 3 The relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallena, Buddha's disciples, were found in its inmost chamber. This Stupa is crowned with an umbrella carved out of polished stone to mark its religious significance.
Ashoka Pillar: This is a must see when in Sanchi. Built by Emperor Ashoka way back in the 3rd century, it stands tall close to the Sanchi Stupa. The Ashoka Pillar is known for its 'aesthetic proportions and superb structural balance. However, the Ashoka Pillar does not flaunt the famous four lions that have been kept in the Archaeological museum. Buddhist Vihara Considered a sacred place for the Buddhist, it is a must visit for the pilgrims who come here. The Buddhist Vihara has holy relics of the Satdhara Stupa that are kept in a glass chest inside the inner sanctum.
The Great Bowl This enormous bowl was excavated and displayed. The bowl is made of a single stone with intricate carvings. It is believed that this was a food bowl in which food used to be distribute to the monks in Sanchi.
Gupta Temple It is one of the earliest known examples of Indian temple architecture.
Archaeological Museum The Archaeological museum at Sanchi is a must visit and a popular tourist destination. There are lot of noteworthy antiquities exhibited at this museum. Sir John Marshall established the Museum in the year 1919 just after the restoration work at Sanchi was completed. The most prized possession of the museum would have to be the Lion Capital that was taken off the Akshoka Pillar and displayed in this museum. Apart from this, there are lot of antiques which were excavated at Sanchi and object used by the Monks which are exhibited here. There are also exhibits from the eras of Satvahana, Maurya, Sunga, Gupta, post Gupta and Kushana. Other objects that will get your attention are the huge images of Dhyani Buddha, Yakshi, and Nagarjuna.
Vidhisha Located only 12 kms from Sanchi is the ancient city Vidhisha. Also known as Besnagar, Vidhisha is named after Emperor Ashoka’s wife. The place is famous for Heliodoros Pillar that were built in 5 A.D. and dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Udaigiri Udaigiri is known all over the world for the rock cut cave which was a dwelling for the Monks during 2 B.C. The sand stone hills were carved into caves and have intriguing carvings of Lord Vishnu. Also worth seeing is the Gupta temple which is known to be a pioneer to lead temple architecture in India.
This Buddhist pilgrimage centre that is recognized as a World heritage site by the UNESCO is certainly worth a visit. It is a perfect destination for those who share interest in the origin and development of Buddhism in India.
