Sanchi Stupa

56 kms north-west of Bhopal city lies the historical architecture Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1989. It's home to the relics of Buddha and his followers. Built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE; it is a remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture. Sanchi's uniqueness lies in the fact that Buddha isn't represented by figures but through symbols.

The foundations of Sanchi was laid with a primitive motive to spread the philosophies of Buddhism. The Great Stupa (stupa 1) at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures and the most important Buddhist monument in India. It served as the nucleus to the establishment of remaining stupas and is among the best conserved Asian stupas of central India. The splendour of the ethereal cravings on the doorway displays significant miracles from Lord Buddha's life and specific events depicted in Buddhist Jataka stories. Toranas or forms of doorway borders the Stupas symbolising harmony, faith and bravery. The Ashoka pillar and Udayagiri caves are the nearby attractions of Sanchi. As a child the tales of Ashoka has always bought a sense of awe, Sanchi Stupa never cease to bring back that feeling.