Bharhut Stupa Remains
Buddhist Archaeological Site: The Bharhut Stupa is one of the most important archaeological sites in India, dating back to the 2nd century BC (Shunga period). While the original stupa structure has mostly disappeared, the remains found here revolutionized our understanding of early Buddhist art and storytelling. The site was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1873, who found a treasure trove of railings and gateways covered in intricate carvings. These carvings depict Jataka tales, scenes from the life of Buddha, and various nature spirits like Yakshas and Yakshinis. Although the major portions are now in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, the site itself remains a pilgrimage for scholars and those seeking the roots of Indian aesthetics.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeological & SpiritualEntry Fees:
Nominal Fee: Entry is usually free or costs a very small amount (approx. INR 20-50) for maintenance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ...Nominal Fee: Entry is usually free or costs a very small amount (approx. INR 20-50) for maintenance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).Timing:
Open Daily: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the ideal visit time is late afternoon when the heat subsides and the light highlights the stone textures. ...Open Daily: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the ideal visit time is late afternoon when the heat subsides and the light highlights the stone textures.Special Events:
Buddha Purnima: On the day of Buddha Purnima (usually in May), a small gathering of monks and followers often takes place to offer prayers at the site. ...Buddha Purnima: On the day of Buddha Purnima (usually in May), a small gathering of monks and followers often takes place to offer prayers at the site.Best Photo Spots:
The Excavated Circle: The best photo spot is standing in the center of the circular foundation, looking towards the Lal Pahadi during the sunset. ...The Excavated Circle: The best photo spot is standing in the center of the circular foundation, looking towards the Lal Pahadi during the sunset.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Examine the Foundations: Walk through the excavation site to see the circular foundations where the grand brick stupa once stood over two millennia ago.
Read the Plaques: Study the informational boards put up by the ASI that explain the significance of the various carvings and the history of the discovery.
Visit the Art Gallery: Explore the small local museum or "Art Gallery" in Satna that houses some fragments and replicas from the original Bharhut site.
Photography: Capture the stark beauty of the ancient foundations against the rural landscape, which provides a deep sense of the passage of time.
Spiritual Meditation: Sit in the quiet surroundings of the site to contemplate the ancient Buddhist philosophy that once thrived in t...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Early Buddhist Art: It is world-famous for being one of the earliest examples of Narrative Relief Sculpture in the world, predating much of Sanchi's art.
Jataka Stories: The site is renowned for the first visual depictions of the previous li...Early Buddhist Art: It is world-famous for being one of the earliest examples of Narrative Relief Sculpture in the world, predating much of Sanchi's art.
Jataka Stories: The site is renowned for the first visual depictions of the previous lives of the Buddha, which served as "picture books" for ancient pilgrims. -
Architecture:
Shunga Style Carvings: The architecture was famous for its massive stone railings (Vedika) and decorated gateways (Toranas) that surrounded a brick stupa.
Dimensions: The original stupa had a diameter of approximately 68 feet, and the stone ...Shunga Style Carvings: The architecture was famous for its massive stone railings (Vedika) and decorated gateways (Toranas) that surrounded a brick stupa.
Dimensions: The original stupa had a diameter of approximately 68 feet, and the stone railing stood about 7 feet high with beautiful pillar reliefs.
Symbolic Representation: In this era, Buddha was never shown in human form but represented by symbols like the Bodhi tree, footprints, or an empty throne.
Brahmi Inscriptions: The stone slabs feature clear inscriptions in the Brahmi script, detailing the names of donors who contributed to the construction. -
How To Reach:
By Road: It is a short 20-minute drive from Satna city; one can easily hire an auto-rickshaw or take a local bus heading towards Maihar.
By Train: Satna Junction is the closest major station; travelers can stop here and take a day trip to ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Ramvan Tulsi Museum (5 KM), Satna (14 KM), Maihar (28 KM), Venkatesh Temple (15 KM), Jagatdev Talab (16 KM), Madhavgarh Fort (22 KM), Pannilal Chowk (15 KM), Chitrakoot (90 KM), Panna (85 KM), Rewa (60 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Historical Context: Do some reading about Buddhist Jataka tales before visiting to appreciate the stories depicted in the stone fragments you will see.
Footwear: Wear comfortable sneakers as you will be walking on grass and uneven soil withi...
Reviews
Bharhut Stupa Remains Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(639+) of Madhya Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Alha Udal Akhada
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Amar Shaheed Memorial
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bandhavgarh National Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Baroundha State Palace
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharhut Stupa Remains
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhoomra Shiv Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Civil Line Chowk
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gaivinath Shiv Temple Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ghanta Ghar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jagatdev Talab
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities