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India Trip - 2016 - Sanchi - Page 1

Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses some of the oldest monasteries in India dating back to the mid 5th century BC

If you only wanted to see one historical site in India this would be it!!

The Background:

The Buddhist vihara at Sanchi, famous for its Great Stupa is located at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, it is 46 km north-east of Bhopal. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolising high rank, which was intended to honour and shelter the relics. The construction work of this stupa was overseen by Ashoka's wife, Devi herself, who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka's wedding. In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas and a balustrade encircling the entire structure were added.

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Sanchi - A UNESCO World Heritage Site......

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India (third century BC) 

One of the four main gates to the Great Stupa Number 1

The life and teachings of Buddha is represented in all the various pillar carvings....

From Buddha's feet to head.....