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Bharhut Stupa: Echoes of Ancient Buddhist Art

Discover the ancient Buddhist art and history of the Bharhut Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, a treasure trove of early Indian sculpture.

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The Bharhut Stupa, located in present-day Madhya Pradesh, is an ancient Buddhist monument dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Although little remains of the original stupa on-site, the intricate carvings and reliefs that once adorned it are now preserved in museums, offering a glimpse into early Buddhist art and the stories of the Buddha's life.

A brief summary to Bharhut Stupa

  • CRWW+QC9, Bharhut, Dewar, Madhya Pradesh, 485001, IN
  • +917552780600
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to experience a serene atmosphere and capture the best photographs with soft lighting.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the site involves some walking to see the various carvings and structural remains.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the historical context and significance of the stupa.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw

    From Satna Railway Station (approximately 14 km away), hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Bharhut. The ride typically takes around 30 minutes. Expect to pay around 300-500 INR for a taxi or 200-300 INR for an auto-rickshaw. Negotiate the fare beforehand.

  • Public Transport

    From Satna, take a local bus towards Bharhut. Buses are available from the Satna bus stand. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bus fares are typically very economical, costing around 20-50 INR. From the bus stop in Bharhut, you may need to walk or hire a local auto-rickshaw for the final short distance to the stupa site.

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Discover more about Bharhut Stupa

Located in the village of Bharhut, in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, the Bharhut Stupa stands as a testament to India's rich Buddhist heritage. Originally constructed around the 3rd century BCE during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, the stupa underwent significant expansions and embellishments during the subsequent Sunga period. King Dhanabhuti is known as a major donor to the site. While the stupa itself is now largely in ruins, with only a shallow depression and scattered fragments remaining on-site, the recovered sculptures, railings, and gateways offer invaluable insights into early Buddhist art. These remnants, primarily housed in the Indian Museum in Kolkata and the Municipal Museum of Allahabad, showcase intricate carvings and reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha's life, Jataka tales, and various mythological figures. The panels are uniquely labeled in Brahmi characters, providing explicit details about the depicted scenes. The Bharhut Stupa is an important site for understanding the evolution of Buddhist art and its influence on later artistic traditions. Its sculptures, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are among the earliest examples of Indian and Buddhist art, showcasing a distinct style and iconography. The stupa's location along ancient trade routes also highlights its significance as a center of cultural exchange and religious activity. Today, visitors to Bharhut can explore the remains of the stupa and imagine its former grandeur, while the preserved sculptures in museums offer a tangible connection to India's ancient Buddhist past.

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