One of the important stupas of
Sanchi, the Stupa 2 is situated halfway down towards the west of the Sanchi hill.
The most interesting and unique feature of this stupa is the stone balustrade that surrounds it. It is believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC on an artificial terrace and lies below all the other stupas on the hill.
There are no gateways to the stupa but has fence with carvings and the surrounding walls are decorated with medallions. Some of the carvings include makaras (figures with elephant head and fish tail), male and female nature spirits (called
yakshi and
yaksha), kinnara (birds with human head), and naga (snake).
The stupa also holds some of the relics of the two great Buddhist teachers, Kasyapagotra and Suvijayita.
