Image Source: suveer singh Sikarwar
Overview and History
If you want to experience the rich history and spiritual heritage of Buddhism in India, then you should consider Murel Khurd Stupas, also known as the Bhojpur stupas, on your list of must-visit places. This archaeological site is located at a distance of 19 km from Sanchi. The site is a complex of Buddhist stupas that was constructed and dates back to the 1st century BC.
As we have already discussed in the other article, as Sanchi grows, there are many settlements that settle in the periphery of Sanchi. Many of these settlements were connected to the Sanchi physically and spiritually. They have built their own stupas and monasteries. Bhojpur/Murel Khurd and Andher stupas to the southeast of Sanchi are two of the examples. While Sonari stupas and Satdhara are to the southwest and the west, respectively. 100 km to the south is Saru Maru.
Architecture
On a hilltop, Bhojpur/Murel Khurd is a cluster of 37 stupas located in Bhojpur (Pipalia), near Murel Khurd. Cunningham discovered this place in the 19th century. During the excavations, he found a 2-4 meter hemispherical stupa with a hollow centre containing small relics. A common feature of ancient stupas was an umbrella topping the stupas.
Senior Buddhist educator relics are held in the casket of the stupas. One of the reliquaries, made of rock crystal, a material renowned for its purity, is used to contain sacred relics. In Stupa 2, Alexander Cunningham founded the rock crystal reliquary in 1951, which was later transported to England.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is during the monsoon and winter months when the temperature in the region is low compared to the summer season.
How to Reach Murel Khurd Stupas
By Road: Murel Khurd is well connected by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Pune, Mumbai, or Satara. The distance from Pune to Murel Khurd is about 120 km, and it takes around 3 hours to reach it by road.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Murel Khurd is Satara Railway Station, which is around 35 km away. You can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to reach Murel Khurd. Satara is well connected by train to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Solapur.
By Air: The nearest airport to Murel Khurd is Pune International Airport, which is around 130 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Murel Khurd. Pune airport is well connected to major cities in India and abroad.
Nearby Attractions
Located near Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, the Murel Khurd Stupas are lesser-known yet historically significant Buddhist remains that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich Buddhist heritage. Visitors exploring the site can also discover several important attractions nearby.
1. Great Stupa of Sanchi
One of India’s most celebrated Buddhist monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Stupa is renowned for its magnificent gateways, ancient relics, and impressive architecture.
2. Ashoka Pillar
Built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, this historic pillar is an important symbol of Buddhism and Mauryan craftsmanship.
3. Sanchi Archaeological Museum
The museum houses sculptures, inscriptions, relics, and artifacts excavated from Sanchi and nearby Buddhist sites.
4. Chetiyagiri Vihara
A revered Buddhist monastery that preserves sacred relics of Buddha’s disciples Sariputta and Moggallana.
5. Udayagiri Caves
Located about 13 km from Sanchi, these ancient rock-cut caves are famous for their Gupta-era sculptures, inscriptions, and the iconic Varaha carving.
6. Vidisha
An ancient city with a rich historical legacy, featuring temples, archaeological remains, and important Buddhist and Hindu monuments.
7. Heliodorus Pillar
An ancient stone column erected by the Greek ambassador Heliodorus during the 2nd century BCE, showcasing early cultural exchanges between India and the Greek world.
FAQs
What are the Murel Khurd Stupas?
The Murel Khurd Stupas are ancient Buddhist structures located near Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh. They are part of the wider network of Buddhist monuments that flourished in the region during the early centuries of Buddhism.
Where are the Murel Khurd Stupas located?
The stupas are situated near Sanchi in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, and can be visited as part of a broader exploration of the Sanchi Buddhist heritage circuit.
Why are the Murel Khurd Stupas important?
They provide valuable archaeological evidence of the spread of Buddhism in central India and help historians understand the development of Buddhist monastic settlements around Sanchi.
How much time is needed to visit the site?
A visit typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your interest in history and archaeology.
Is there an entry fee for Murel Khurd Stupas?
Entry regulations may vary, so visitors should check with local tourism authorities or the Archaeological Survey of India before planning their visit.
What is the best time to visit Murel Khurd Stupas?
The ideal time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
Can Murel Khurd Stupas be visited along with Sanchi?
Yes. Most visitors combine Murel Khurd Stupas with Sanchi, Udayagiri Caves, Vidisha, and other nearby Buddhist and historical sites in a single itinerary.
Are guides available at the site?
Professional guides may not always be available at the stupas themselves, but guides at Sanchi can often provide historical context about the surrounding Buddhist sites, including Murel Khurd.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but visitors should follow any guidelines issued by local authorities.
What should visitors carry while exploring the site?
Comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended, especially during warmer months.
