Knowledge about historical monuments of India Part – 3 THE SANCHI STUPA

 

Knowledge about historical monuments of India

Part – 3

THE SANCHI STUPA

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a significant Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh, India, and a UNESCO World Heritage site:

●History

The Great Stupa was built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. The stupa was originally a simple brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha. It was later repaired, enlarged, and added to, reaching its final form in the 1st century BCE.

●Features

The stupa is 120 feet wide and 54 feet high. It features a yasti, or spire, at the top that symbolizes the axis mundi, or the center of the universe. The yasti is surrounded by a harmika, or gate, and topped by chattras, or umbrella-like objects. The stupa also has four gateways called toranas, each with three horizontal bars and two vertical pillars.

●Importance

The Great Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a testament to India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It’s a must-visit destination for those interested in history and architecture.

●Location

The Great Stupa is located on a forested plateau, about 10 km from Vidisha. The site also includes other stupas, temples, and monasteries, as well as the Ashoka Pillar.