Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa: Oldest Stone Structure in India

Located in Sanchi town, the great Sanchi Stupa is the oldest stone structure in India. It was originally commissioned by King Ashoka during 3rd century BC. Its construction was overseen by Ashoka's wife, Devi herself who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. According to the Ashokavadana, the 2nd century text, it is presumed that the stupa may have been destroyed at some point in time in the 2nd century BC, by the Sunga Emperor Pushyamitra Sunga. Presumably Pushyamitra destroyed the original stupa, and his son Agnimitra rebuilt it. During the later rule of the Sunga, the stupa was expanded with stone slabs to almost twice its original size. The dome was flattened near the top and crowned by three superimposed sunshades within a square railing. Thus, with its many tiers, Sanchi Stupa Tourism has become a symbol of Buddhism and its ideologies.

 

The history of Sanchi Stupa reveals that it was originally a low structure of brick, half the diameter of the present structure. It was enclosed by a wooden railing and a stone umbrella at the top. It was surrounded by four gateways called ‘toranas,’ each representing love, trust, courage and peace. These gateways are beautifully crafted and sculptured, some having their own spectacular narrations and story associated with them. Thus, the toranas are the main attractions of Sanchi Stupa Tourism. The Great Stupa is built over the relics of the Buddha and thus to honour these relics, the Stupa was laurelled with chatra. So, go ahead and explored the untold interesting facts of Sanchi Stupa and drench your soul with Buddhism.