Sanchi Stupa No. 2
Stupa No. 2, located further down the western slope of the hill, is architecturally simpler than the Great Stupa but holds immense significance for its unique decorative stone railing, which is considered to contain the earliest extensive stone reliefs in India dating back to around 115 BCE (Shunga period): Unlike the narrative panels of Stupa 1's gateways, the medallions on the railing of Stupa 2 feature predominantly non-narrative, often non-Buddhist motifs, including animals, flowers, and auspicious symbols, but also the first known stone depiction of some Jataka tales.: This stupa is believed to house the relics of ten high-ranking Arhats (disciples of the Buddha), and its lower position on the hill compared to Stupa 1 and Stupa 3 may signify the slightly lesser spiritual status of its enshrined relics.: Its early dating makes it a vital link in the evolutionary chain of Indian art and the transition from wooden prototypes to stone carvings.:
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 Hours:Place Type:
Archaeological Site, Early BEntry Fees:
Included in Main Ticket: Access to Stupa No. 2 is included in the single entry ticket for the Sanchi Ruins complex: Rs.40 for Indians and Rs.600 for foreigners. :
No Separate Fee: Being a part of the unified archaeological park, no additional o...Included in Main Ticket: Access to Stupa No. 2 is included in the single entry ticket for the Sanchi Ruins complex: Rs.40 for Indians and Rs.600 for foreigners. :
No Separate Fee: Being a part of the unified archaeological park, no additional or separate fee is required to visit this stupa. :Timing:
Sunrise to Sunset: Operates under the same hours as the main complex, from approximately 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily. :
Ideal Visit Time (Mid-Morning): As it requires a short walk down the slope, visiting mid-morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) after ...Sunrise to Sunset: Operates under the same hours as the main complex, from approximately 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily. :
Ideal Visit Time (Mid-Morning): As it requires a short walk down the slope, visiting mid-morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) after seeing Stupa 1 is ideal, ensuring good light for viewing the reliefs on the railing. :
Quiet Hours: Due to its distance, this stupa often remains quieter than the central monuments, offering a peaceful experience any time of day, provided the heat is manageable. :Special Events:
No Major Event: Unlike Stupa 1 or Stupa 3, Stupa No. 2 is not the focus of a major annual religious festival, but it is included in the procession route during the Chetiyagiri Vihara Festival in November, briefly becoming part of the broader celebratory atmosphere. :...No Major Event: Unlike Stupa 1 or Stupa 3, Stupa No. 2 is not the focus of a major annual religious festival, but it is included in the procession route during the Chetiyagiri Vihara Festival in November, briefly becoming part of the broader celebratory atmosphere. :Best Photo Spots:
Close-up of Medallion Details: The best photos are close-up shots of the railing's intricate medallions, highlighting the variety of early designs and the flat relief carving technique. :
Stupa against the Natural Slope: Photographing the sm...Close-up of Medallion Details: The best photos are close-up shots of the railing's intricate medallions, highlighting the variety of early designs and the flat relief carving technique. :
Stupa against the Natural Slope: Photographing the small stupa as it rests against the backdrop of the hill's natural slope, which emphasizes its physical setting away from the main complex. :
Railing Composition: Capture the long stretch of the carved stone railing to convey the repetitive yet detailed decorative scheme that defines this structure. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Detailed Medallion Study: Spend time meticulously examining the individual medallions on the railing, attempting to identify the variety of subjects—lotus designs, animals, and the few identifiable narrative scenes—to appreciate the primitive, yet beautiful, style. :
Contextual Comparison: Compare the style and depth of carving here (flat, less narrative) with the richly detailed, high-relief storytelling found on the Toranas of Stupa 1 to understand the rapid artistic development that occurred at the site. :
Contemplative Walk: Due to its slightly isolated position lower on the slope, it offers a quieter atmosphere, making it a good spot for quiet contemplation and reflection away from the main complex crowds. :
Search for Jataka Depictions: Try to locate the ...Detailed Medallion Study: Spend time meticulously examining the individual medallions on the railing, attempting to identify the variety of subjects—lotus designs, animals, and the few identifiable narrative scenes—to appreciate the primitive, yet beautiful, style. :
Contextual Comparison: Compare the style and depth of carving here (flat, less narrative) with the richly detailed, high-relief storytelling found on the Toranas of Stupa 1 to understand the rapid artistic development that occurred at the site. :
Contemplative Walk: Due to its slightly isolated position lower on the slope, it offers a quieter atmosphere, making it a good spot for quiet contemplation and reflection away from the main complex crowds. :
Search for Jataka Depictions: Try to locate the specific medallions believed to represent early Jataka tales or other symbolic scenes, often requiring a good guide or an art history reference. :
Photography of Early Art: Focus on close-up photography of the unique, non-narrative relief art on the railing, capturing the texture and simplicity of the stone carving. :
View of the Great Stupa: From its position on the lower slope, one can get a distinct, distant perspective of the entire Great Stupa (No. 1) complex on the hill-top. :
Information
-
Why Famous:
Pioneering Stone Reliefs: Its railing carvings are the oldest surviving extensive stone reliefs in Indian art, predating the famous gateways of Stupa 1 and providing a foundation for subsequent narrative sculptural traditions. :
Aniconic Motifs:...Pioneering Stone Reliefs: Its railing carvings are the oldest surviving extensive stone reliefs in Indian art, predating the famous gateways of Stupa 1 and providing a foundation for subsequent narrative sculptural traditions. :
Aniconic Motifs: The decoration's emphasis on non-narrative, secular, and decorative motifs (like the Lotus) is a key feature of the earliest phase of Buddhist art at Sanchi. :
Relics of Arhats: The belief that it contains the relics of important Arhats of the Buddha makes it a significant, albeit secondary, focus for pilgrims. : -
Architecture:
Simpler Design: The stupa is smaller and less elaborate than Stupa 1 and Stupa 3, consisting of a solid dome (anda) on a simple base. :
Railing and Medallions: The main architectural distinction is its stone railing (Vedika), which is heavil...Simpler Design: The stupa is smaller and less elaborate than Stupa 1 and Stupa 3, consisting of a solid dome (anda) on a simple base. :
Railing and Medallions: The main architectural distinction is its stone railing (Vedika), which is heavily adorned with over 450 circular and semi-circular medallions: These medallions are unique for their early style—shallow, flat carving with a focus on decorative patterns, including lotuses, animal figures (e. g. , griffins, centaurs), and early aniconic Buddhist symbols. :
No Toranas: Notably, Stupa No. 2 lacks the four elaborate ceremonial gateways (Toranas) found on Stupa No. 1 and Stupa No. 3, reinforcing its earlier or simpler status. :
Dimensions: The stupa is significantly smaller, approximately 14 meters in diameter, built of rough stone and mud mortar, later clad in stone, reflecting an earlier construction phase. : -
How To Reach:
Walk from Main Complex: The simplest way to reach Stupa No. 2 is by walking from the main hill-top area (Stupa 1): It is located a few hundred meters down the western slope, accessible via a clearly marked, short pathway. :
Local Transport:...Walk from Main Complex: The simplest way to reach Stupa No. 2 is by walking from the main hill-top area (Stupa 1): It is located a few hundred meters down the western slope, accessible via a clearly marked, short pathway. :
Local Transport: One can technically reach its base by local auto-rickshaw from the Sanchi town, but most visitors combine it with the main complex visit by foot. :
Path Condition: The pathway to Stupa 2 is generally well-maintained but involves a slight incline/decline, requiring reasonable mobility. : -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter (October to March): The short walk to and from the site is most comfortable in the cool winter air, allowing visitors to spend time examining the low railing without discomfort from the sun. :
Morning Light: Early morning light is exc...Winter (October to March): The short walk to and from the site is most comfortable in the cool winter air, allowing visitors to spend time examining the low railing without discomfort from the sun. :
Morning Light: Early morning light is excellent for bringing out the subtle, shallow detail of the carvings on the stone railing, which can be washed out by strong midday sun. : -
Near Tourist Places:
Vidisha (10 KMS - Historical/Ancient City): Udayagiri Caves (13 KMS - Gupta period rock-cut caves): Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (85 KMS - UNESCO Site with pre-historic paintings): Bhojpur Temple (65 KMS - Massive unfinished Shiva Temple): Islamnagar Fort (50 KMS - Historical Afghan fort ruins): Bhopal (46 KMS - Capital city with lakes and museums):
Satdhara Stupas (9 KMS - Group of minor Stupas):
Sonari Stupas (10 KMS - Other Buddhist ruins):
GyarasPUR (36 KMS - Ancient temple complex): Chetiyagiri Vihara (Near Site - Modern Buddhist monastery):
Tourism Tips
-
Art Focus: Bring binoculars or a camera with good zoom to properly examine the intricate, small-scale carvings on the railing, as many details are minute. :
Footwear: Wear good grip shoes due to the downhill walk and slightly rougher ground ...Art Focus: Bring binoculars or a camera with good zoom to properly examine the intricate, small-scale carvings on the railing, as many details are minute. :
Footwear: Wear good grip shoes due to the downhill walk and slightly rougher ground compared to the paved areas around Stupa 1. :
Combined Visit: Always combine this visit with Stupa 1 and Stupa 3 as they are spatially and historically linked, offering a complete picture of the site's development. :
Reviews
FAQs
Sanchi Itineray And Cost:-
Sanchi Stupa No. 2 Tourism:-
Other Places In Sanchi :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Madhya Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Mata Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Sanchi Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
The Great Bowl
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Turtle Rock
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Western Gateway
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Zoo Rock
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities