Kesariya Stupa

Kesariya Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa located in Kesariya town in East Champaran district, Bihar, India. Standing about 104 feet (32 metres) tall, it is regarded as the tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Believed to have been originally built in the 3rd century BCE during Emperor Ashoka's reign and enlarged between the 2nd and 7th centuries CE, the six-storey brick structure displays Buddhist sculptures and is a major archaeological and pilgrimage site.

Visitors can expect a massive ancient brick stupa with six terraced floors set in an open archaeological park. The exterior shows weathered brickwork, niches with Buddha images, and excavated foundations. Visitors walk around the base and lower terraces, view sculptural details and information boards, and explore the surrounding grounds. The setting is rural and open with limited shade, offering a quiet historical and pilgrimage atmosphere.

Believed to have been originally established in the 3rd century BCE by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and subsequently enlarged and renovated between the 2nd and 7th centuries CE during the Gupta period. Excavations revealed a six-floor brick stupa with Buddhist images. Tradition associates the site with Buddha, who is said to have visited Kesariya and given teachings before his parinirvana.

A revered Buddhist pilgrimage and archaeological site, considered the tallest Buddhist stupa globally. It represents the evolution of Buddhist architecture in India and forms part of the Buddhist circuit in Bihar alongside Vaishali, Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, attracting pilgrims, historians and visitors interested in Buddhist heritage.