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What to see in Madhya Pradesh
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How to reach:
The nearest airport is at Bhopal, just 46 kms via Diwanganj.
Sanchi lies on the Jhansi - Itarsi section of the Central Railways. The nearest railhead is at Vidisha, just 10 kms away.
Sanchi is well - connected with Bhopal, Indore, Sagar, Gwalior, Vidisha and Raisen by a good network of roads.
Places to see
The Great Stupas
The finest examples of Buddhist art, the Stupas at Sanchi still retain their old charm and grandeur. The most famous among these is the first Stupa which is also the largest and oldest. Scenes from the life of the Buddha are depicted in the form of symbols on the gateways of the Stupas. Stupa No.1 is situated atop the Sanchi hill.
Ashokan Pillar
There is an Ashoka pillar close to the Southern Gateway. World-renown for its fine stuctural balance, the design of the monolith carries an important message.
Buddhist Vihara
This modern day monastery has the sacred relics of the Satdhara Stupa. It also has a huge bowl carved out of a single black stone.
The Gupta Temple
It is one of the earliest examples of Indian Temple architecture. It was built in the 5th century.
The Archaeological Museum
Situated below the Sanchi Hill, the Archaeological Survey of India Museum has an interesting collection of metal objects, stone sculptures and other ancient artifacts.
Sanchi ia a small village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. World famous for its Stupas, monasteries, pillars and temples, Sanchi holds an important place in history as the Budhhism had its early roots here. Toranas surround the Stupa and they each represent love, peace, trust, and courage. The 'Great Stupa' at Sanchi was built by the emperor Ashoka in the third century BC.
A chunar sandstone pillar fragment shining with the proverbial Maurayan polish lies near the Stupa 1 aand carries the famous edict of Ashoka's warning against schism in the Buddist community. The four gateways of the stupa built in the 1st century B.C have stories of Buddha's past and present carved on them and are the finest specimens of early classical art.
The adjacent town of Visdisha has a state museum with important medieval sculptures. The 2nd century B.C Heliodoros pillar nearby and the 5th century A.D. Udayagiri caves are also worth a visit.
The Four Main Sites of Buddha are -
Lumbini I Bodh Gaya I Sarnath I Kushinagar
Madhya Pradesh is not called the heart of India only because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainisim and Islam. Innumerable monuments exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state. The National Parks of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and many others you can spot the tiger, the bison and a wide variety of deers and antelopes.
