THE SANCHI STUPAS, MADHYA PRADESH

Photo Travelogue :
Read first part - Here!

The calm and serene #Sanchi #Stupa, a #World #Heritage site in #MadhyaPradesh #travelblogger #ttot #lp #travel #trip pic.twitter.com/Jlp82Cz18x

— ? ? NandiniDéka ? ? (@NandiniDeka) November 15, 2015

So, there it was ~ the 3rd century BCE buddhist architectural monument of height: 16.46 m (54.0 ft), declared a World Heritage Site right before my eyes. Its said, that its main dome has relics and ashes of Lord Buddha himself spread all over it. Not satisfied with viewing it from far, I decided to have a closer look. After all why else did I purchase the tickets for, no?

I had my fill clicking pictures going through the entire complex - its huge! Quite amazing, infact. Just imagine the thrill of walking down 'history' itself! Check them all out below :-)


trying to touch it...

okay, we go inside first...


I was expecting one stupa; but hey, I can see ~ there's more...


ah there, atlast; but which is the main....lemme check out! Got it, yay...



the four HUGE gates to the main stupa...different carvings in each...


its said, out of the 4 guarding buddhas only one's head remained intact, rest broken by invaders...




one can go up the dome and get view of the ancient relics, as well as the scenery around...
Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located in 46 kilometres north-east of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. ( wiki )

Around the complex, I noticed, there were other ancient structures too. Some complete, some broken, some left mid-way. I walked about as I tried to imagine the story attached to each of them. I followed a guide for the main stupa tour; but very soon, I drifted off on my own. Its more fun that way :-)

someone whispered there could be graves of other monks on the ground, so I treaded with care...


make sure to get some souvenirs on your way out...
Inside the complex, there's a cafeteria as well as a paid urinal. So, quite an organised place. After spending some nice time roaming around, I decided to move on to what other exciting stuff MP was to offer me that day. I decided not to take any risk and go far, so thought of attractions close by only. And not disappointing, they came in full swing my way :-)

Address : Sanchi Town, Madhya Pradesh, India, Asia
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NAMO BUDI HAYA, THE SANCHI STUPAS, MADHYA PRADESH

Photo Travelogue :
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As I made my way to the stupas, I was pleasantly surprised to find this 'temple' near its gate ( left side ). Its a fairly new structure and looked attractive. Naturally, I decided to give it a quick look.


the temple...and its sign-board :-)


view of Sanchi Stupa from the steps of the temple...


inside the temple...calm and very peaceful...

There's a small meditation room on the right side ( inside the temple ); its walls are adorned with paintings related to Buddha and soft Buddhist hymn playing in the background ~ Buddhang Sarannam Gachhami, Dhammam Saranam Gacchami, Sangham Saranam Gacchami...


relics corner...or is it souvenirs???

little buddha statues for sale and a book shop...

I glanced through some guide books and to my delight I given some brochures....

Now is that cool or what. After spending some soothing time inside the temple premises, I decided to head for the stupas without anymore delay! Alas! 3rd century BCE stupas, here I come...

Address : Sanchi Town, Madhya Pradesh, India, Asia
Read next part - Here! Stay tuned for all my road, rail, flight, cruise & walk trips.
( Images - ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕◕◕ - It was Awesome!

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JOURNEY UPHILL AND DOWNHILL THE SANCHI STUPAS, MADHYA PRADESH

Photo Travelogue :
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I reached the Sanchi Stupa entrance, but was informed that the stupas were on top of hill some 2 kms up. There were shared autos that plied up and down with 10 bucks as fares. However, I didn't find a shared auto myself, so took the direct one for 40 bucks. I booked the tickets as well. There is a booking office up at the site itself, and, near the main entrance as well.


the booking office and the rates...



some random carvings and stalls on my way up...there's a cafeteria as well.


a museum too...


and here we go...

As you can see, the grounds are well maintained and looks very peaceful. On my way down, I didn't find any autos, but was lucky enough to find an official going in his scooty. He offered me a lift...so, there! Luck beseeched me...hehe. We chatted many things...he asked me to go to the Udayagiri caves, which was about half hour journey. Would I make it...check out my coming posts ;-)

Address : Sanchi Town, Madhya Pradesh, India, Asia
Read next part - Here! Stay tuned for all my road, rail, flight, cruise & walk trips.
( Images - ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕◕◕ - It was Awesome!

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