Sanchi Stupa Raisen Madhya Pradesh History and Interesting Facts

Sanchi Stupa Quick Facts

Sanchi Stupa Overview

Indian history is one of the oldest histories in the world. The place called Sanchi in Raisen district located in Madhya Pradesh, the state of India is very important for followers of Buddhism. The stupa located in Sanchi is one of the largest stupas of Buddhism, which is famous worldwide for its special history, architecture, and Craftsmanship.

Sanchi Stupa History

The historic stupa was built by Ashoka, the famous ruler of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BC. was done in The work of its construction was entrusted by Emperor Ashoka to his wife Mahadevi Sakyakumari, who was the daughter of a merchant from the kingdom of Vidisha. Emperor Ashoka and Mahadevi Sakyakumari were also married in Sanchi, so it was built by Emperor Ashoka and his wife.

This stupa was first built with bricks, which were covered with stones during the Shunga period. In this stupa, archways and balustrades were built during the Satavahana period, which was painted with beautiful colors. It is believed that the artifacts made on the gate and the size of the gates were determined by the Satavahana king Satakarni.

What is a Stupa called?

Stupa is a sacred Buddhist site, also known as Chaitya. Its shape is like a hemispherical mound shaped structure.

It is used to house sacred Buddhist relics and is where Lord Gautam Buddha is worshipped. It is believed that at the time of Mahaparinarvana, Mahatma Buddha had told his disciple Anand that after his death, his relics should be covered all over the world and his stupas should be built.

Sanchi Stupa Interesting Facts

1. The Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India, constructed by Emperor Ashoka Maurya in the 3rd century.
2. This famous stupa was uninhabited by the 14th century, as no ruler at that time paid any attention to it for its preservation.
3. This stupa was discovered by a British officer "General Taylor" in the year 1818.
4. Seeing the uninhabited condition of this stupa, the British government entrusted Sir John Marshall with the task of rebuilding it. Sir John Marshall reconstructed this stupa from the year 1912-1919 and re-erected it.
5. This stupa is one of the largest stupas in India, measuring about 21.64 meters in height and 36.5 meters in diameter.
6. This stupa also has 4 arch gates on which stories from the life of Mahatma Gautam Buddha to Parinirvana have been depicted.
7. In the year 1919, Sir John Marshall established an archaeological museum to preserve it, which was later converted into the Sanchi Archaeological Museum.
8. The place called Sanchi was never visited by Gautam Buddha, even though Buddhism has a historical significance of its own at this place today.
9. This stupa was built for Buddhist studies and teaching Buddhist teachings.
10. The most famous Ashoka Pillar, consisting of four lions like Sarnath, has been found near this stupa.
11. A large number of Brahmi script inscriptions have been found in the first stupa of Sanchi.
12. In view of the structure and craftsmanship of this stupa, it has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1989.