About Sujata Stupa
Sujata Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa located in Bakraur village, Senanigram, across the Phalgu River from Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It marks the place associated with Sujata, the village woman who offered kheer to Siddhartha Gautama before his enlightenment. The brick stupa, dating from the 2nd century BCE with later Gupta period additions, stands about 36 metres high and is an important pilgrimage and archaeological site near the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large ancient brick stupa set in a quiet rural village landscape across the Phalgu River from central Bodh Gaya. The structure is a tall, terraced mound with a square base and remnants of pillars and shrine elements. The surroundings are open fields and village houses with views toward Bodh Gaya. Visitors can walk around the base, view the stupa from outside, take photographs, and experience a calm pilgrimage atmosphere away from the main temple crowds.
Key highlights
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Ancient brick stupa associated with Sujata's offering of kheer to the Buddha
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Imposing 36-metre high structure with origins in 2nd century BCE and Gupta period enlargements
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Located in Bakraur village across the Phalgu River with rural views toward Bodh Gaya
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Important Buddhist pilgrimage site linked to the Buddha's enlightenment narrative
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Archaeological remains including brickwork, pillar fragments and votive structures
History of Sujata Stupa
Sujata Stupa commemorates Sujata, the village woman from Senani village who offered rice pudding (kheer) to the emaciated Siddhartha Gautama, ending his period of extreme asceticism before his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The stupa was originally built in the 2nd century BCE and was enlarged and embellished during the Gupta period (5th-6th century CE). Archaeological excavations have revealed brick construction, a central relic chamber and associated votive stupas.
Culture & Context
The stupa is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site symbolizing compassion and generosity in the Buddha's life story. It is visited by pilgrims as part of the Bodh Gaya sacred circuit alongside the Mahabodhi Temple and Dungeshwari Caves. For local villagers, the site is known as Sujata Garh or Sujata Kuti and remains an important cultural landmark.