Chaukhandi Stupa

Chaukhandi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa located in Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It marks the spot where Gautama Buddha is believed to have met his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment. Originally built as a terraced brick mound during the Gupta period between the 4th and 6th centuries, it was later crowned with an octagonal Mughal tower in 1588. The monument is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is an important pilgrimage and heritage site.

Visitors can expect a large ancient brick stupa set within a well-maintained garden enclosure. The lower portion is a massive terraced Gupta-era brick mound, topped by a distinctive octagonal Mughal tower built of stone. The site is open and tranquil, surrounded by lawns and pathways with informational signage. Visitors can walk around the base, view the structure from all sides, take photographs, and experience the historical and religious atmosphere of Sarnath's archaeological landscape.

Chaukhandi Stupa was originally built as a terraced temple during the Gupta period (4th to 6th century CE) to mark the place where Gautama Buddha met his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. The present brick mound is attributed to this period. In 1588, an octagonal tower was added on top by Govardhan, son of Raja Todar Mal, to commemorate the visit of Mughal Emperor Humayun to the site, during the reign of Emperor Akbar.

The stupa is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site marking the beginning of Buddha's association with Sarnath, where he later delivered his first sermon. It represents the early development of Buddhist architecture in India and reflects the continuity of reverence for the site through Gupta and Mughal periods. It remains an important landmark for Buddhist devotees and heritage visitors to Sarnath.