Sanchi -Tourism

Sanchi is one of the popular tourist attractions in Central India. It is a tiny village situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. The village is famous for housing various Buddhist memorials and ranks as one of the famous pilgrimage hubs for the followers of Buddhism. Currently, about fifty memorials are there on the mound of Sanchi, which comprises various places of worship and three stupas.

Where is Sanchi located? 

Detailed Sanchi maps show that the village of Sanchi lies at a distance of about 10 km from Vidisha and Besnagar and 46 km northeast to Bhopal, in the heart of the Madhya Pradesh state. The village serves as a nagar panchayat and forms a part of the Raisen district. The coordinates of the area are 23°28'50" North and 77°44'11" East.

Area and population of Sanchi- According to the census performed in 2001, the population of the place was 6,785. About 53% of the people living in the area are men and 47% women. The mean literacy rate of the place is 67%, which has surpassed the countrywide mean of 59.5%. Literacy among women is 57% and literacy among men is 75%. Approximately 16% of the inhabitants living in the area are below the age of 6 years.

Why is Sanchi famous? 

Sanchi houses various Buddhist memorials and historic sites which belong to the period ranging from 12th century CE (Common Era) to 3rd century BCE (Before Common Era). The Sanchi Stupa is a popular Buddhist Pilgrimage Center in India. The area has won the honor of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Stupa is bordered by Toranas or forms of entrances and every one of the Toranas is a symbol of harmony, affection, bravery, and faith.

Ashoka the Great, the famous ruler, initially constructed the magnificent Sanchi Stupa during the 3rd Century BCE (Before Common Era). The core of the construction was shaped as a semicircle, which was made over the remnants of Gautama Buddha. There is a Chatra, which has been used as a coronet of the monument. The chatra looks like a sunshade, which represents high position and was planned to respect and protect the remnants. The four symbols in the stupa represent four crucial events in life and they are as follows:

1. Tree (Enlightenment)
   
2. Elephant or Lotus (Birth)
   
3. Stupa (Parinirvana)
   
4. Wheel (Preaching the First Sermon)
   

What to See in Sanchi- Other than the Stupas, there is an archaeological museum in the place which houses a number of amazing relics and works of art. These works of art truly reflect the culture and background of this famous pilgrimage site. Stunning carvings and implements made of metal as ancient as 2000 years would instill a sense of that period in you. The archaeological museum demonstrates the chronicles and resurgence of this sacred area.

Places to Visit In Sanchi- For followers of Buddhism, Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is a pilgrim center. For History lovers, Sanchi is an ancient land with a number of interesting destinations that stand proof of its rich past. Sanchi houses Great Stupa, which is the country oldest stone structure. After the decline of Buddhism in this part of the world, Sanchi seemed to be out of the map until it was rediscovered by General Taylor, a British officer. Declared by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site in the year 1989, Sanchi attracts tourists from all over the world. Here are the top 5 places to visit in Sanchi.

The Great Stupa- Stupas naturally come to your mind if you think of Sanchi. The stupas here are stunning specimen of the architectural excellence of the past. Great Stupa, which is Sanchi first stupa, was constructed in 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka. The exquisite carvings in the stupa boast of the craftsmanship involved in its making. The Great Stupa is situated on a hill at a height of about 300 feet. The 71 feet tall stupa looks spectacular as you view from afar. Visiting Great Stupa would be a beautiful beginning to tour Sanchi; yes, you would feel as if you are revisiting history.

Udayagiri Caves- Nothing could be more interesting than viewing the works of the past. Withstood the test of times or in ruins, historic monuments always draw your attention. They not only allow you to look into the past but make your imagination go wild as you walk down the path that was treaded by angels and devils, victorious and the defeated, magnanimous and the cruel characters in history. Udayagiri Caves, a group of 20 caves, make an interesting presentation of the past. Sculptures representing Hinduism and Jainism from Gupta Era are seen in the caves. The caves date back to a period between 4th and 5th century AD. Some of the caves are located at the top of the hill while most are located in the foothill. Giant Narasimha sculpture attracts the most.

Ashoka Pillar- Life of Emperor Ashoka has lots of tell to power mongers. Rarely such examples are seen in the past when an emperor as mighty as Ashoka decided to travel the path of angels by calling an end to war to conquer land. He had conveyed his message loud and clear by building pillars across his kingdom. The pillars ranged between 40 to 50 feet in height. Near the southern gateway of Sanchi Stupa stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of 3rd century BC. The pillar represents elegance, creativity and exquisite architecture. Built in Greco Buddhist style, the 16.4 meter tall pillar with Four Lions had been given a stunning polish making the pillar brilliantly shine till to date.

Sanchi Museum- Sanchi Museum is the right place to learn more about the history of the place. The museum houses excavated objects that are over 2000 years old. Since it has a stunning collection of antique that belongs to various dynasties, you get to learn more about the lifestyle of the people belonging to various cultures.

Gupta Temple- Constructed in the 5th century AD, Gupta Temple in Sanchi stands proof of the architectural excellence of the Gupta period. It also reflects the integrity that prevailed among people belonging to various faiths for the temple was constructed in a land that was predominantly a Buddhist pilgrim center. The structural beauty of the temple so captivated Sir John Marshall that he considered it one of the most logical designs. The temple is a must visit destination in Sanchi.

The stupas, temples and monuments in Sanchi deserve more description. Lack of time while on tour dampened my traveling spirit but I am thirsty for more information. Do share information with me if you have had the privilege of visiting more places in Sanchi.

How to reach Sanchi- Sanchi is situated at a distance of 46 km from Bhopal and Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh is adequately linked to all the major cities in India. You don't need to have your own car since the buses plying to Ashta from the state capital can help you reach a point which is just half a km from the area. Places with accommodation and dining facilities are available inside one sq km of the place. The railhead is quite near to the place as well. The Vidisha Railway Station is not so famous however it will be simpler to reach Sanchi if you reach there because of its proximity to Sanchi.