Madhya Pradesh Tourism has created “Sanchi – The Eternal Light”, a unique museum at Jambudweep Park, Sanchi. Developed under the visionary leadership of Tourism Secretary Shri T. Ilayaraja, this immersive experience brings the timeless heritage, history, and spiritual legacy of Sanchi to life.
The opening
Inaugurated at Sanchi on 8 August in the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; the Hon’ble Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi; Additional Chief Secretary Culture and GAD, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, and under the leadership of Secretary, Tourism, Shri T. Ilayaraja. Executing agency MPSTDC under the leadership of Shri Dilip Yadav.
Section 1
Museum Identity
The identity of “Sanchi – The Eternal Light” is inspired by the sacred relics and enduring Buddhist legacy associated with Sanchi. It brings together two ancient symbols — the Swastika and the Lotus (Ashta Kamal) — to represent the continuity of the Buddha’s teachings across time.
Sanchi – The Eternal Light
At the centre, the Swastika, in its ancient Indic and Buddhist context, signifies auspiciousness, harmony and the eternal movement of the Dhamma. The eight-petalled lotus beneath it represents purity, awakening and enlightenment.
Together, the symbols evoke the deeper meaning of the relics: not only as sacred remains of the past, but as living carriers of memory, faith and wisdom.
Drawn in its ancient Indic form: upright, right-facing, on the cardinal axes.
The Swastika
The Swastika
At the centre, the Swastika, in its ancient Indic and Buddhist context, signifies auspiciousness, harmony and the eternal movement of the Dhamma.
Ashta Kamal · eight petals
The Lotus / Ashta Kamal
The eight-petalled lotus beneath it represents purity, awakening and enlightenment.
“The Eternal Light” expresses this continuing presence —
the light of the Buddha’s teachings, carried forward from Sanchi.
The light of the Buddha’s teachings, preserved through the relics and carried forward from Sanchi to future generations.