Sanchi is the place where it throws light on the Golden era of Buddhist devotee Emperor Ashoka. Sanchi I situated in Madhya Pradesh, jus 46 km away from Bhopal. It is all about great monuments, Stupas, Monolithic pillars, which had been master-pieces of Buddhist Art. These monuments of Sanchi were built way back during the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. This makes the perfect place for the Tourists as this tour is a day affair, completely set at the peaceful area, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.The Great Stupa being the major attraction of this place was built by King Ashoka, an ardent follower of Buddhism who after kalinga war had completely dedicated his life to the preaching of Lord Buddha. Sanchi, the place of Buddhists Stupas, had been referred in the list of World Heritage Site in the year 1989.
The major attractions of this place are the Ashokan Pillar, standing High depicting the dedication he had for his guru/Lord Buddha, nest the Archaeological Museum, where one would find the preserved relics of Lord Buddha, The Buddhist Vihara, the one which has preserved the relics of Satdhara Stupa, The unique “Gupta Temple” depicting the unique architecture of Buddhist Art and Culture and last but not the least the Great Stupa of Lord Buddha, throwing an insight of the Jataka Tales told about Buddha.
Ashok Pillar
It is said that King Ashoka had built 8 stupas at Sanchi, the Great Stupa being the most popular of all. This was built by the emperor in 3 B.C. by burnt mud bricks. However, this was re-built with stone facades and this has been restores since then, making it as one of the favourite Tourist Spot fro the scholars and archaeologists from all around the world. It has the symbol of Four lions adopted as the National Emblem of India.Archaeologist Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm for all the tourists, who can observe the old preserved relics and antiques from the Buddhist time. The museum would definitely fascinate tourists as one could find the metal objects used by monks as used at the time of Ashoka’s reign. The 3rd century Indian Art was found in the ancient stone sculptures, giving a complete balance between the Architecture design and the structure.
The world famous Ashoka Pillar symbolises the 3rd century quality of finest architecture. The people from that century have mostly used metal in their sculptures. Even several monks have carved the Buddhist monuments and caves using the metal as the major element in their sculpture.
