Sanchi Stupas are situated at
Sanchi in
Madhya Pradesh which is a religious and archaeological site of significance. The stupas are located on the hill top here. The stupas were built by
Ashoka. The crown of the famous Ashoka pillars that stand close by, with four lions standing back to back, has been adopted as the national emblem of India.
The main stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India. It has a height of 16.4 m and is 36.5 m in diameter. The stupa holds a massive hemispherical dome. Another stupa is on the edge of the hill. The main feature of this stupa is the stone balustrade that winds its way to the top. The third stupa is very close to the main Great Stupa. Its hemispherical dome is crowned with an umbrella of polished stone. The relics of two of the Buddha's earliest disciples, Sariputta and Mahamogallena, were found in its innermost chamber.
