Chetiyagiri Vihara
A modern Buddhist temple built beside the Great Stupa by the Sri Lankan Maha Bodhi Society, enshrining the relics of Sariputta and Moggallana. A pilgrimage festival is held each November.
Chetiyagiri Vihara stands on Sanchi Hill near the Great Stupa. Built in 1952 by the Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka, it enshrines the relics of the Buddha's two chief disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana. These were unearthed from Stupa No. 3, were once taken to Britain and were later returned. The temple is usually quiet, and the relics are displayed publicly only during the Chetiyagiri Festival on the last Sunday of November, when pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and elsewhere gather for chanting and processions. Admission to the temple is free. Shoes must be removed before entering the hall, and dress should be modest. It can be visited on the way after the Great Stupa.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Sanchi Stupa
- Sanchi Stupa No. 2
- Sanchi Archaeological Museum
- Udayagiri Caves
- Bijamandal, Vidisha
- Satdhara Stupas
- Heliodorus Pillar
- Maladevi Temple, Gyaraspur