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Barhut Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

The Barhut Stupa, which was established by the great Indian emperor Ashoka, who had turned a Buddhist in the later years of his life, symbolises the relation of classical Mauryan architecture with that of Buddhism. Built in the 3rd century BCE, later the stupa was renovated by the Sunga rulers, who also added to its work of art in the 2nd century BCE. The Barhut stupa comprises numerous stories related to reincarnations of the Buddha, in which He has been represented through symbols such as the Bodhi tree, footprints, empty seat and wheel of dharma. A unique example of the early Buddhist art, the stupa is frequently visited by the Buddhists.

Barhut(Satna)
Barhut is a small place in the Satna district(14 kilometers) of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. EArlier a part of the Rewa princely state, Barhut, today is mainly famous for its Buddhist stupa.

Other Attractions
Chitrakoot, which is at a distance of 80 kilometers from Satna, is a major tourist destination near Barhut. Chitrakoot, home to many temples, is believed to be the place where the Hindu deity Rama, His wife Sita and His brother Lakshmana spent years of exile from Ayodhya.

Location and Accessibility
The best way to reach Barhut is via Satna, the district where Barhut lies. The distance between Satna and Barhut is 14 kilometers which can be covered by a bus or a private taxi. Satna is a very important railway station in Madhya Pradesh, and is well connected by trains on the Mumbai-Howrah train route. Satna lies on the National Highway No.7 through Maihar-Amarpathan and on the State Highway through Chhatarpur-Rewa subsequently. But, if one wants to opt for the airways, the nearest airport is at Khajuraho, 130 kilometers from Satna.

Best Time To Visit
Though the Barhut stupa can be seen throughout the year, but the ideal months to visit the place would be during October to February.