Madhya Pradesh


Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi

Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi

About:

Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival SanchiThe Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival is an annual Buddhist festival held at the Chethiyagiri Vihara in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. This festival commemorates the sacred relics of Sariputta and Moggallana, two of Lord Buddha's most prominent disciples. The relics are enshrined in the Chethiyagiri Vihara, and during the festival, they are brought out for public display and worship. Buddhists from all over the world, particularly Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar, participate in this event, making it a significant occasion for followers of Buddhism.



Location info:
District: Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh.
Nearest City:Sanchi Stupa (walking distance from the vihara), Udayagiri Caves (10 km), Bhopal (50 km).
Best time to visit: The festival is typically held in November or December, during the winter season, which is also the best time to visit Sanchi due to the pleasant weather.

Climate/Weather:

Summer (March to June): Hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Monsoon (July to September): Receives moderate rainfall, with a lush green environment but some travel inconveniences due to rain. Winter (October to February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it the ideal time for visiting and attending the festival.

History of Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi:

The Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival holds deep historical and spiritual significance, as it is linked to the enshrinement of the relics of Sariputta and Moggallana. These relics were discovered during the excavation of the Sanchi stupas in 1851 by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham. They were originally sent to England, but in 1947, they were brought back to India and enshrined at the Chethiyagiri Vihara in Sanchi. The festival celebrates the Buddhist community’s connection with these sacred relics, and it is attended by pilgrims from various countries, particularly from Sri Lanka.

Educational Institutions in Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi:

The Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival in Sanchi is primarily a religious and cultural event centered around Buddhist practices, focusing on the veneration of the relics of Sariputta and Moggallana, two key disciples of Lord Buddha. While the festival itself doesn't specifically revolve around educational institutions, Sanchi is home to several important educational and research centers that contribute to the study of Buddhist history, archaeology, and culture.

Established near Sanchi, this university is dedicated to promoting and researching the teachings of Buddhism and Indian philosophy. The university plays a crucial role in educational activities related to Buddhism and offers various courses in Buddhist philosophy, Indic studies, and world religions.

Langauge:
Pali,English,hindi.

Culture:

Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi Sanchi, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient Buddhist monuments and stupas, particularly the Great Stupa. The cultural fabric of Sanchi is deeply intertwined with Buddhist history and spirituality, which continues to influence the region’s traditions and festivals, such as the Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival. The festival and the town’s overall culture represent a beautiful blend of religious practices, archaeological heritage, and a global Buddhist community.

How to reach Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi?

By Air: The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, located about 55 km from Sanchi. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Sanchi.
By Train:Sanchi Railway Station is a small station located about 2 km from the main stupa complex. However, the nearest major railway station is in Bhopal, which is well-connected to major cities.

By Road: Sanchi is well-connected by road, with regular buses and taxis available from Bhopal (50 km), Vidisha (10 km), and other nearby cities.

Tourist Attraction ofChethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi:

Chethiyagiri Vihara

The main highlight of the festival is the Chethiyagiri Vihara, where the relics of Sariputta and Moggallana are housed. During the festival, these relics are brought out for public viewing and worship, providing a rare opportunity for devotees to pay homage to the close disciples of Lord Buddha.

Sanchi Stupa :

One of the oldest and most important Buddhist monuments in the world, the Great Stupa at Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to house the relics of Buddha.

Ashoka Pillar

The Ashoka Pillar, located near the Sanchi Stupa, is an iconic symbol of Emperor Ashoka’s contribution to Buddhism. It is beautifully carved, with the lion capital (which now serves as India’s national emblem) at its top.

Navgraha ka Mandir (Triveni):

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival Sanchi:

Mid-range Hotels: Sanchi has a few comfortable mid-range hotels and guesthouses for visitors, such as the Gateway Retreat (run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism). Budget Hotels: Budget accommodations are also available near the stupa complex and in the nearby town of Vidisha.