Stupas of Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Owing to their archaeological and historical importance, UNESCO designated the Sanchi Stupas as a world heritage site in 1989.
Emperor Ashoka built a total of eight stupas at Sanchi in the 3rd Centrury B.C.
Stupa 1
Amongst the many Stupas the most renowned is the Great Stupa 1.
Stupa 1
The stone railing that surrounds the base of the Stupa has four gateways. The carvings on the Gateways or Toranas illustrate the life and times of Gautam Buddha and his previous incarnations i.e. the Jataka Bodhisattvas and the Manushi Buddhas.
Eastern Gateway
Next to the stone railings
In Buddhist art, Buddha was never represented directly. His presence was alluded via symbols.The lotus for his birth, the Bodhi tree for his enlightenment, the wheel for his teachings, and footprints along with a throne to imply his presence.
Northern Gateway
Brahmi Inscriptions
Southern Gateway
The back-to-back lions on the Southern Gateway form India’s State Emblem.
Lion Pillar, Southern Gateway
Monastery 51
Entrance
Gopher?
Stupa 2
Stupa 2
Through the Stone Railings
Stone Bowl
The Great Bowl has been carved out of a single boulder. This was used for placing food and offerings to monks.
Temples
Temple 18 is similar to the Greek style of columnar buildings.
Temple 18
Temple 17
Monasteries
Monastery 45
Monastery 47 has two sitting Buddhas.
Buddha, Monastery 47
Sculptures, Monastery 47
Stupa 3
Stupa 3 is smaller when compared to Stupa 1 and 2.
Gateway Sculpture, Stupa 3
Great photo essay. The photos are superb… First few photos have visible tilts in them which could be managed with some editing tools. My fav “stupa 1”, “Next to the stone railings”, “Entrance”. Which is the best season to visit? Is there any timing to vist the place?
Hi Anandham,
Welcome to 10YearItch!
Thanks for the inputs and comments.
The timings are ” sunrise to sunset.” … So keeps changing based on the time of year.
Nov to Feb should be a great time to visit Sanchi.
Cheers,
Madhu