Sanchi Stupa

Recently, the sacred relics of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, two of the foremost disciples of Lord Buddha, preserved at Sanchi Stupa, are being sent to Mongolia for public exposition and religious veneration.

About Sanchi Stupa

The Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monuments in India. It was built by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE after his conversion to Buddhism following the Kalinga War.

The stupa enshrines the sacred relics of the Buddha and his eminent disciples, particularly Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, who played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhist teachings.

The construction and development of the Sanchi complex were supervised by Devi, Ashoka's wife, who belonged to Vidisha, an important commercial centre. The flourishing mercantile community of Vidisha later continued to patronize and expand the monument.

Rediscovery and Excavation

Over the centuries, Sanchi fell into neglect and eventually became a ruin. It was rediscovered in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor. Subsequently, Alexander Cunningham, regarded as the father of Indian archaeology, conducted the first systematic surveys and excavations at Sanchi in 1851, contributing significantly to its preservation and study.

Architectural Features

The Great Stupa at Sanchi (Stupa No. 1) is enclosed by a massive stone railing and is approached through four elaborately carved gateways (Toranas) facing the four cardinal directions. These gateways are masterpieces of Sanchi sculpture and depict scenes from the Jataka tales, the life of Buddha, and various Buddhist symbols.

The central structure consists of a hemispherical dome (Anda), which symbolizes the dome of heaven enclosing the earth and serves as the repository of sacred relics.

Above the dome stands a square railing called the Harmika, representing Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain in Buddhist cosmology. Rising from the Harmika is the Yashti (mast), symbolizing the axis mundi or cosmic axis connecting heaven and earth.

The mast is crowned with three Chatras (umbrellas), which signify the Three Jewels of Buddhism (Triratna)—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—and also represent different heavenly realms (Devaloka).

UNESCO World Heritage Status

The Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989 because of their outstanding universal value and their importance in the history and development of Buddhist art and architecture.

Important Personalities Associated with Sanchi

Sariputra

Sariputra was one of the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha and was renowned for his profound wisdom and understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

Maudgalyayana (Moggallana)

Maudgalyayana was another principal disciple of Buddha, celebrated for his spiritual powers and devotion. Together with Sariputra, he played a vital role in spreading Buddhist teachings.

Emperor Ashoka

Ashoka emerged as one of the greatest patrons of Buddhism and built numerous stupas across his empire to preserve and propagate Buddhist relics and teachings.

Alexander Cunningham

Alexander Cunningham conducted the first scientific excavations at Sanchi and later became the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).