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.