THE GREAT STUPA

AT SANCHI

A timeless tale of faith, art, and empire etched in stone for 1,500 years. Discover the legacy of India's oldest and most preserved Buddhist sanctuary.

3rd

Century BCE

Founded by Emperor Ashoka

36 m

Diameter

Of the massive central dome

1989

UNESCO Site

Recognized for its universal value

A MONUMENT OF DYNASTIES

The stupa we admire today evolved over time, with each major dynasty contributing to its design and grandeur.

MAURYA DYNASTY (c. 3rd Century BCE)

The Foundation

Emperor Ashoka establishes the base, crafting a modest brick dome to enshrine Buddha's relics and raising his famed pillar.

SHUNGA DYNASTY (c. 2nd Century BCE)

The Expansion

The ancient stupa was enlarged, encased in stone, and surrounded by impressive stone railings (*vedikas*).

SATAVAHANA DYNASTY (c. 1st Century BCE)

The Embellishment

Four grand and finely detailed gateways (*toranas*) illustrate tales from the Buddha's journey.

GUPTA DYNASTY (c. 5th Century CE)

The Evolution

Signaling a change in devotion, four Buddha shrines are placed at the stupa's gateways.

ANATOMY OF A STUPA

Every section of the Great Stupa embodies a cosmic design, filled with profound symbolism.

  • 1.
    Chhatra: The threefold umbrella symbolizes Buddhism's Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
  • 2.
    Harmika: The square railing represents the divine dwelling, a holy realm distinct from the mortal plane.
  • 3.
    Anda: The grand dome, symbolizing the boundless heavens and housing the holy relics inside.

A visual concept highlighting the pivotal dynastic influences shaping the stupa's heritage through time.

THE LANGUAGE OF SYMBOLS

In Sanchi's ancient art, the Buddha was symbolized rather than depicted, with his essence evoked through carved gateway motifs.

🌳

The Bodhi Tree

For Enlightenment

☸️

The Wheel of Law

For the First Sermon

🐾

Footprints

For His Earthly Presence

👑

An Empty Throne

For His Sovereignty

🐎

A Riderless Horse

For the Great Departure

🏛️

A Stupa

For His Final Nirvana