Sanchi Stupa No. 2
A 2nd-century BCE stupa below the western slope of the Great Stupa. It has no gateways, but its railings are covered in early Buddhist reliefs, and few visitors come.
Stupa No. 2 stands on the western slope of Sanchi Hill, about 300 m west of the Great Stupa. Built in the Shunga period in the 2nd century BCE, it once held the relics of ten eminent monks. Unlike the Great Stupa, it has no gateways. Its highlight is the stone railing around the stupa: the posts are carved with lotuses, animals, mythical creatures and early Buddhist symbols. These are considered among the oldest Buddhist relief decorations in India, predating the Great Stupa's gateways. It is a 10-minute walk down the western side from the Great Stupa and is included in the Sanchi site ticket. Most tour groups skip it, and the setting is quiet, so it suits visitors interested in early Buddhist art.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Sanchi Stupa
- Chetiyagiri Vihara
- Sanchi Archaeological Museum
- Udayagiri Caves
- Bijamandal, Vidisha
- Satdhara Stupas
- Heliodorus Pillar
- Maladevi Temple, Gyaraspur