Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India Dec 26, 2023

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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun 23, 2025Elbe river in Dresden, Saxony, Germany
Alps of the sea
May 15, 2025Palace of Westminster, London, England
Where two continents meet
Nov 6, 2024Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
A fox in the dunes
A 50-year balancing act
Let the Great Backyard Bird Count begin!
Apr 8, 2025Paro Tsechu Festival, Bhutan
Aug 28, 2024Paralympic Games begin in Paris
Dec 14, 2024Northern hawk-owl, Canada
‘Night shining’ clouds
Apr 10, 2025Siblings Day
Big rocks, big heads
Jan 9, 2024Gayathri Reservoir, Karnataka, India
Creating a better world
Giants of the Southern Ocean
Blue Skies in Beautiful Bavaria
May 8, 2025World Donkey Day
Oct 13, 2023Vieste, Apulia, Italy
Where did you drop the fish, son?
Happy New Year’s from down under
Mar 13, 2025Marine iguanas, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Purple bliss as far as the eye can see
Apr 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
Rebels of the owl world
Starry, starry night
More of a moustache than a beard?
The sea that acts like a lake
An island park for everyone