Sanchi- commentary by Stupas

Sanchi is a small place located 46 kms north east of the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal. The Buddhist structure of Sanchi which include stupas, temples, monasteries, and pillers were erected by King Ashoka on top of a hill near erstwhile prosperous city of Vidisha.

The design of main stupa , also called as stupa no 1 or the Great stupa ,  which is also the biggest sized stupa is a plastered dome crowned by a triple umbrella within a railing and contains in its core the brick stupa of Ashoka . A circumambulatory path approached by a double stairway is built against its way.  The ground balustrade marks another procession path around it.

Four gateways provide access to the stupa from cardinal directions. The height and Diameter of stupa are 16.46 and 36.60 meters respectively.

The scenes carved on the gateways generally depict Jataka legends, scenes from the life of Buddha, subject connected with the history of Buddhism.

From the second to fourth century AD Sanchi and Vidisha came under the Kushanas and Kshatrapas and subsequently passed on to the hands of the Guptas. During the Gupta period some temples were also built and sculptures were added displaying the classical grace and simplicity of the era. Further, statues of Lord Buddha seated in the canopies facing the four entrances of the Great Stupa were also added

The place is a UNESCO world heritage site.

There is also a museum built at the entrance gate .

The place is very peaceful and located in beautiful virgin ranges. One can easily spend some quality time here and feel the heritage and spirituality of sanchi.