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Great Stupa No1 |
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 The Great Stupa No. 1 is a must see monument at Sanchi. It is the oldest stone structure in India, 37 meters in diameter and 17 meters in height with a massive semi-circular dome. The Stupa was rebuilt in the 2nd and 3rd century BC and still stands in everlasting magnificence and the cemented path around.
The stupas of Sanchi stand on the top of a hill. There are four entrances to the great stupa. A railing encircles the stupa. The entrance is through the magnificently carved gates or as they call it the Torans. These Torans are one of the finest examples of Buddhist art in India and are best works at Sanchi. The path to the stupa has been smoothen by the centuries of pilgrims visiting the place. Near the stupa stands a Chunar sandstone pillar, which has some edicts by Ashoka, which warns against the schism within Buddhism. |
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The Four Gateway |
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 The Gateways which are also called as Torans was constructed in 35BC which are considered as an excellent expression of Buddhism in the world. The Four Gate Ways are featured by carvings which are clearly defined and depicting the scenes from the life Buddha and Jatakas which relates mostly to the life of birth. During this period there was no direct representation of Buddha but instead expressions where in the form of lotus which tells about his birth, the tree his enlightenment, the wheel, derived from the title of his first sermon, the footprints and throw symbolizing his presence.
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Stupa No2 |
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 Placed at the periphery of the hill, Stupa number 2 is characterized by the striking stone railings that surrounds it. Built in the 2nd century BC, this stupa is placed on an artificial podium and it lies beneath all the other stupas. Except its stone fencing this stupa do not have gateways like the other ones. But one can see intricate and exquisite carvings and other decorations on these hedges. |
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Stupa No3 |
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 The Stupa 3, built in the 2nd century BC, is smaller in size, when compared with the Great Stupa (Stupa No 1). It has a fine gateway, which was built in the 1st century BC.
The Stupa holds the casket containing the relics of two most important disciples of Buddha - Sariputta and Mahamogallena. The casket also holds five precious jewels - pearl, garnet, lapis, crystal and amethyst. It also has a hemispherical dome with an umbrella of polished stone.Polished stones of this umbrella give it an elegant appeal.
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The Buddhist Vihara |
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 The Buddhist Vihara is one of the very sacred places for the Buddhist pilgrims. It preserves the holy ruins of the Satdhara Stupa which are kept in glass box.
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The Gupta Temple |
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 Constructed in the fifth century, this is one of the early structural temples of India, built of stone slabs with a flat roof. It has a square sanctuary and a pillared portico and shows the sombre decoration and symmetry typical of Gupta style.Temple is the earliest Known examples of temple architecture in India. |
