Sanchi
The Sanchi hillock is only 91 meters high, located nearly 70 km from Bhopal, amidst beautiful natural surroundings. The various structures and sculptures of Sanchi date back from the 3rd century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. At the base of Sanchi is an Archaeological Museum housing sculptures and artifacts excavated at the site, including a wonderful lion capital of the Mauryan period and beautiful images of the Buddha.
Stupa No. 1 is a hemispherical mound, measuring 16.46 meters in height and 36.6 meters in diameter. The torans are gateways facing the four cardinal directions and consists of two upright pillars and three separate horizontal, slightly bowed beams. The north gateway depicts scenes from the Buddha’s teachings. There are four elephants holding up the beams of the toran. Besides this, the most sensuous depiction is of Salabhajjikas or Yakshis. Stupa No. 2 has only one gateway and holds special significance because it contains the earthy remains of Sariputra and Mudgalyaya.
