Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India Dec 26, 2023

Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India

Stories from centuries ago come alive on the surface of the Great Stupa at Sanchi, gracing a hilltop in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Sanchi Stupa, the monument was commissioned by Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE and is the oldest stone structure in India. Sanchi"s massive hemispherical dome, crowned by an elegant harmika and a central pillar, beckons visitors into a sacred realm. The intricately carved gateways, or toranas, tell stories of Buddha"s life, enlightenment and the flourishing of Buddhism under Ashoka"s patronage. If you"re truly intrigued by the intricate narrative of the stone-carved stories, we recommend finding a tour guide to reveal the secrets behind every uncanny detail.

© Dinodia Photos/Alamy Stock Photo

palette

Today in History

Giddy family fun
Dec 26, 2024Boxing Day
Dec 26, 2025Boxing Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Purple mountain majesties
Secluded sands in Mexico
Aug 13, 2025Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, United States
Remembering the Mahatma
Jan 25, 2025Porto, Portugal
May 30, 2024Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Oct 23, 2025International Day of the Snow Leopard
Apr 3, 2025Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
A rainbow that’s worth the rainfall
Want to hang about?
Jul 16, 2025Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt
Dec 19, 2025Bormio, Lombardy, Italy
A plant for all occasions
An island made from a vow
Sep 26, 2025Least chipmunk, Kootenai National Forest, Montana, United States
Jan 29, 2026Milwaukee City Hall, Wisconsin, United States
An old bridge in a new light
Peek-a-boo, I see you!
Apr 16, 2025Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
Feb 7, 2025Blue hour in Trondheim, Norway
Oct 13, 2024Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Sep 20, 2024Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA
Home of the ‘world’s worst smelling food’?
Feb 24, 2024Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
Dec 8, 2024Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
Sep 11, 2025Butterfly Beach in Canacona, South Goa
Nov 2, 2024American bison
Jun 27, 2024Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
Aug 6, 2024Molokini crater, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Apr 20, 2024Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA