Thursday, May 23, 2024 Madhya Pradesh , an unconventional multispecialty state in India, generally the first choice of many, is frequently identified as the heart of the country. It’s a land soaked in rich history and culture, providing a charming journey for the ones who are keen on exploring the earliest path of Buddhism. Beyond the magnificent landscapes and majestic forts of Madhya Predesh, this central state of India affirms a rich heritage of Buddhism, waiting to be unraveled by travelers and pilgrims.
Madhya Pradesh’s history of Buddhism dates back to the 3rd century BCE. During this time, Emperor Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, had accepted Buddhism after the Kalinga War. The dedication of Ashoka toward Buddhism made Madhya Pradesh an important center for the religion.
The state is home to several famous monasteries, stupas, and archaeological places, like the well-known Sanchi, where Sanchi Stupa No. 1 stands as India’s one of the oldest structures made of stone. These shrines feature complicated figures and designs that portray the stories of the life of Buddha and Jataka tales, providing an understanding into the artistic tradition of Buddhist architecture.
Emperor Ashoka had created almost 84,000 stupas and the redistribution of the ashes of Buddha are immense. A circumambulatory pathway recognized as a Vedika encircles the stupa at Sanchi, highlighting the position of Parikrama in Buddhist rituals..
