Madhya Pradesh trip -14: Sanchi & Vidisha
Click here to view detailed video
Overview: Today is our last day of our Madhya Pradesh. We visited the length and breadth of the state but still missed many places of attraction.
On our last day, we visited Sanchi Stupa and Vidisha. There was some festival going on at Sanchi so we decided to visit that as our final destination for the day.
Udayagiri Caves: We went to Udayagiri caves as our first stop. The Udayagiri Caves are a group of rock-cut Hindu and Jain cave temples located in the Udayagiri Hills near the city of Vidisha in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The caves, which date back to the 5th century CE, are renowned for their well-preserved rock-cut sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural features. The caves were used as monasteries and residences by Buddhist and Hindu monks, and they offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of the region during the early medieval period. The Udayagiri Caves are considered a significant archaeological and cultural landmark, and they attract visitors from around the world who come to admire their rich history and stunning artwork.
There is also a big Narasimha image carved out of a big rock behind the Udayagiri caves.
 |
| Udayagiri caves |
 |
| Narasimha Idol, Udayagiri |
Helidorus Pillar: Our next stop was Helidorus Pillar. This pillar is a stone column located in the ancient city of Vidisha. The pillar, which dates back to the 2nd century BCE, was erected by a Greek ambassador named Heliodorus to honor the Hindu deity Vasudeva. The pillar is notable for its inscriptions, which provide valuable information about the political, social, and cultural life of the region during the time it was erected. The Heliodorus Pillar is considered an important historical and cultural landmark and is one of the few surviving examples of Greek influence in ancient India. The pillar is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its rich history and unique architecture.
 |
| Heliodorus Pillar |
The Bija Mandal is an ancient temple near Vidisha. The temple, which is believed to have been built in the 10th or 11th century CE, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from epics, as well as its unique architectural style that combines elements of North Indian and South Indian temple architecture. The Bija Mandal is considered a significant cultural and architectural landmark and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its rich history and stunning artwork.
 |
| Bija Mandal |
Sanchi Stupa: The Sanchi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument built in the 3rd century BCE by the emperor Ashoka to house the relics of the Buddha. The stupa, which is one of the oldest stone structures in India, features a unique combination of architectural styles and is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures that depict the life of the Buddha and various scenes from Buddhist mythology. The Sanchi Stupa is considered a significant architectural and cultural landmark and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 |
| Sanchi Stupa |
 |
| Sanchi Stupa |
Comments
Post a Comment