Although Sanchi was not characterised by any incident in Buddha's life nor was it the focus of any significant event in the history of Buddhism, I included it in my itinerary, for it is crowned by one of the most imposing monuments of Buddhist architecture. The site is only 68 kms from Bhopal, the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

As I reached the spot I was left awestruck by the Great Stupa, an almost perfect hemispheral dome, 120 ft across and 54 ft high(excluding the railing and the umbrella). It is topped by a triple "parasol" set within a square railing. A third of the way up from its base is meant for ritual circumbulation of the monument. The stone-paved procession-path at ground-level is enclosed by an encircling stone balustrade. This path is accessed through four exquisitely carved gateways erected later by the Andhras. The stupa is ascribed to Emperor Asoka, circa 273-236 BC.

The four gateways, with their exquisite architecture, are the finest works of art at Sanchi. The scenes, carved into the pillars, depict various episodes in the life of the Buddha.

Sanchi is etched on my mind - when I close my eyes I can behold splendid visions of the stupa in all its intricacies. Oh, what a marvel of human hands!