A quaint little village at the footsteps of a hill Sanchi in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh carries the genesis of Buddhism in India. A tiny hamlet with a rich culture, Sanchi is embellished by a series of monasteries, stupas, holy shrines and pillars dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. The glory of Sanchi, as a devout centre, can still be experienced in its composite formations where the rich carvings reflects various legendary beliefs and Buddhist myths.
Though Sanchi’s history hangs around the Buddhist monuments, it is amazing to believe that Lord Buddha never visited Sanchi during his lifetime. Nevertheless, in the soothing stillness of Sanchi one could perceive his presence more effectively than any of the other famous Buddhist centers.
Formerly known as Vidishagiri, Sanchi was a busy trading center and a hub of affluent merchants. Sanchi owed much to these mighty Merchants for their wholehearted patronage, which helps it to thrive as a leading center of Buddhist tradition.
Sanchi also unfurls a true love story that is nothing short of a fairy tale. Its about a beautiful girl by name Devi, a pious Buddhist. King Ashoka fell in love with this girl and it is believed that it was this girl who motivated the king to construct such marvelous monuments in Sanchi.
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Sanchi’s fame set in to oblivion by the end of the 13th century and only in 1818 this renowned center of hinayana Buddhism was rediscovered. Despite the neglect for centuries, the architectural splendors of Sanchi still adorns the prime position and it offers the most redolent and eye-catching Buddhist site in India. Stupas and gateways of this world heritage site are the superb expressions of classiness in architecture. In fact these marvels of ancient Buddhist ethnicity herald a new arena in the field of temple architecture in India.
Apart from the religious and historical aspect, Sanchi tenders a delightful view of the adjoining landscapes. If religion is not your passion, you could move onto other options since Sanchi is a fine place to just chill out and rest, or travel around.
