Credit: Vishal Gupta
Overview and History
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, is home to a treasure trove of ancient ruins that hold deep historical and cultural significance. Among these remarkable sites, the Great Bowl and Buddhist Monasteries stand out as captivating remnants of the past. Located just 1.5 km away from Sanchi Railway Station, these architectural marvels are must-visit attractions for anyone exploring the region.
There are many architectural marvels in Sanchi that hold great cultural significance. The Great Bowl and Buddhist monasteries are among those attractions that are worth exploring.
Testament to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient artisans, the Great Bowl is carved from a single rock. Made during the Ashokan era, this made the front of the monolithic stone served as a bowl as a collection point for offerings. It promotes a sense of detachment. There were a number of Buddhist monasteries around the Sanchi group of monuments that provided a sanctuary for numerous monks. Among the monasteries, seven monasteries were the major ones that once existed, one of them known as Monastery 51 which was situated down the hill toward Stupa 2.
Monastery 51 is encompassed by an open courtyard with a range of monk’s cells. But in the course of time, the columns and roofs of the monastery collapsed. It was constructed using wood much like the monastic structure from that era. It exhibits a perfect blend of Buddhism to Hinduism.
Numbers 45 and 47 are located on the eastern ridge of Sanchi. It belongs to the period when Buddhism was gradually giving way to Hinduism. Two crafted sitting Buddha sculptures further enhance cultural values.
Location
From Bhopal: Sanchi is approximately 46 km away from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. You can drive to Sanchi via NH86, which is a well-maintained national highway. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Reaching Sanchi by Train:
Traveling by train is a convenient option for those who prefer a comfortable and cost-effective journey. The nearest railway station to Sanchi is the Sanchi Railway Station, which is well-connected to several major cities across India. Here are some popular train routes: