Sanchi, which was known as Kakanava in the 3rd century BC, was a famous centre of Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka built a great stupa in this Bodh Vihara over the remains of Buddha.
This Buddhist site flourished under the patronage of different dynasties from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD. By about the 5th to 6th centuries, it had lost its identity. This was the time when Bota Siriparvata lost its importance as a religious centre. Sanchi was rediscovered by General Henry Taylor in 1818, and the then Nawab of Bhopal Shah Jahan Begum and Sultan Jahan Begum provided full financial support to Sir John Marshall to revive it, and got a beautiful Gothic style Villa built for his residence in Sanchi.
It is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site, consisting of many Buddhist Monuments ruins and some are well preserved, due to the tireless efforts and significant contribution of Sir John Marshall.
Temple 31, a rectangular structure built on a raised platform, is located to the east of the eastern entrance to the Great Stupa. It was built in the Gupta period, initially in the 6th or 7th century, then rebuilt in the 10th or 11th century. The temple is built on a platform with steps leading up to it, with a Nagi statue standing in one corner of the platform and steps. The temple which is built on a raised platform and a pillared chamber supporting a flat roof. Probably it was dedicated to Buddha, the original statue is not housed in the rectangular chamber instead another statue is placed.
Its Courtyard is adorned with two stone pillars of different eras. One belongs to the 2nd century BC which is octagonal in the lower side and the upper sixteen faces with a bell shaped top, which was crowned with the lion capital. It’s damaged but pillar is erected at the same place and Bell top is kept aside, whereas lion capital is displayed in the museum. This is known as the pillar No.25.
Second pillar which was erected in the Gupta Period, whose half shaft is square in shape and remaining circular in Shape with the lion capital. This is known as pillar No 26, and its capital is displayed in the museum.
