Chaneti Buddhist Stupa — Attraction in Haryana

The historical Buddhist Stupa or brick Stupa built 2,400 years back by Mauryan king Ashoka, in Haryana’s Yamunanagar, is scheduled to get a makeover with beatification works set to begin.

The monument, spread across 100 sq-m in Chaneti village, dates back to third century BC, and is almost 8km away from the district headquarters. It is an important site of religious tourism for Buddhists around the world.

As per the department of archaeology and museum’s latest figures, the Stupa situated in the ancient city of Shrughna (modern Sugh) that lies in the jurisdiction of Amadalpur village, is among 39 state-protected monuments or sites in Haryana.

On Thursday, the cabinet minister of panchayat, archaeology and museums, Devender Singh Babli inspected the site and ordered a renovation of the place to the officials concerned.

“In view of the ever-visiting devotees from around the world, the minister ordered construction of a rest house in the village. The construction of a similar accommodation place was ordered earlier, but the work remains shut,” an official statement read.

According to the district administration’s website, to construct the Stupa, concentric layers were put one over the other, each time leaving some space on the underlying layer so that the whole structure should give a hemispherical look and four shrines in all directions near the old circumambulatory path (pradakshina path) were added during the Kushna period.

Banani Bhattacharya, deputy director of the archaeology department said this Stupa was among many places mentioned by Chinese pilgrim Yuan Chwang, in accounts of his travel.

“Following the minister’s inspection, the site will be beautified to add more plantations, availability of clean drinking water and public convenience for the visitors. We have sought an estimate from the public works department (PWD) and the work will commence...

Location -: Village-Chaneti, District-Yamunanagar

Situation -: Outside the village.

Under protection of -: Government of India

Period -: Circa 3rd Century BC

History and description -: During the reign of the Mauryan King Ashoka, the ancient city of Shrughna (modern Sugh) became an important center of Buddhism. As mentioned in the travel account of the Chinese pilgrim Yuan Chwang, this place was adorned by many stupas and a monastery. The village Chaneti is about 3 kms. north-west of Sugh. This stupa at Chaneti must have been one of those referred by Yuan Chwang. To construct this baked brick stupa, concentric layers were put one over the other, each time leaving some space on the underlying layer, so that the whole structure should give a hemispherical look. Thus, this stupa corresponds to the Shahpur and Dharmarajika stupas at Taxila. No trace of stone railing surrounding this stupa was found. Probably, it might have been wooden railings. At the top of the stupa, square space about 1.5 mt. was found filled with earth. This was the place for harmika (a small platform) which bore the chhatravali (umbrella). Four shrines in four directions near the old circumambulatory path (Pradakshina Path) were added to the stupa during Kushna Period and a new pathway was built below to...

Chaneti Buddhist Stupa is a true gem of a monument located in the heart of Yamunanagar. As a lover of historical and spiritual sites, I was blown away by the beauty and significance of this stupa.

The stupa itself is stunning, with intricate carvings and design elements that truly showcase the skill and dedication of its builders. The surrounding landscape is also breathtaking, with sweeping views of the surrounding hills and forests.

What really sets Chaneti Buddhist Stupa apart, however, is its spiritual significance. As a sacred site for Buddhists, the stupa is imbued with a palpable sense of peace and serenity that is hard to describe. It truly feels like a place of refuge and reflection, where visitors can connect with the spiritual traditions and teachings...