Sandstone figure of Shalabhanjika Yakshi, Sanchi, Central India (1st century AD)
“The Great Stupa at Sanchi is said to contain the relics of the Buddha himself. The form of the stupa was a development of the ancient practice of erecting a hemispherical mound over the remains of the dead. According to tradition the Buddha said that his remains should be interred in a stupa built at a crossroads and thus easily accessible to all.” (Source)
