Chaukhandi Stupa — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

The Chaukhandi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument located in Sarnath, near Varanasi, India. As one of the earliest stupas in the Indian subcontinent, it holds immense historical and religious significance. The stupa, built during the Gupta period around the 5th century CE, stands as a testimony to the rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess of ancient India.

The Chaukhandi Stupa's distinct design and unique architectural style make it a captivating sight for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. Standing at a height of about 16.5 meters, the stupa's square base tapers into an octagonal tower, topped with a circular stupa. This transition from a square to an octagon and then a circle is a rare feature among ancient stupas, making it a prominent attraction in the region.

Upon visiting the stupa, one cannot help but marvel at the intricate carvings and delicate artwork adorning the structure. The red bricks used in its construction add to its allure, as they have withstood the test of time, showcasing the skill of the ancient artisans who worked on this masterpiece.

For Buddhists, the Chaukhandi Stupa holds deep spiritual significance. It marks the location where Lord Buddha met his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. As a result, the stupa is an essential pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world, who visit to pay their respects and find solace in its peaceful ambiance.

The surrounding gardens and well-maintained pathways leading to the stupa provide a serene and meditative atmosphere. Visitors often take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the tranquility and reflecting on the teachings of Buddhism. The place exudes a sense of calm and introspection, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In recent years, the Indian government, along with various organizations, has taken significant steps to preserve and protect the Chaukhandi Stupa. Restoration efforts have been made to maintain the stupa's structural integrity, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate its historical and cultural value.

However, there are some challenges that the site faces. Due to its ancient nature, there's a constant need for preservation and maintenance to protect the stupa from natural elements and potential human-related damages. Proper facilities for tourists, including restrooms, informational boards, and seating areas, could also be improved to enhance the overall visitor experience.

In conclusion, the Chaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath is an extraordinary monument that holds an essential place in the history of Buddhism and ancient Indian architecture. Its unique design, historical significance, and spiritual aura make it a must-visit destination for travelers and devotees alike. While there are areas that could benefit from further development and care, the stupa remains a captivating and enlightening site, leaving an indelible impression on all those who have the opportunity to explore its...

Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath: Just a few kilometres away from Varanasi, is the sleepy village of Singhpur. While Varanasi is a Hindu religious centre, Singhpur’s Sarnath is a Buddhist centre of religion. Visit to this village, which is known for its Buddhist monuments, is one of the best things to do in Varanasi and nearby areas. Sarnath is also referred to a deer park, which is the place where Gautama Buddha first came and taught about the concept of Dharma.

This is where Buddhist Sangha received enlightenment. It is located in Singhpur, known as the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara in Jainism. Sarnath is certainly one of the best places near Varanasi, especially for those who are keen to learn more about history and religion in India.

It is where Emperor Ashoka erected a number of stupas and monuments for spreading Buddhism. The crumbling stupas here are a house of relics, manuscripts and fascinating inscriptions that can teach one a lot of Indian history, development of Buddhism and provide alternative theories such as Aliens and how they visited the earth.

A tour to Sarnath is usually for half a day and starts early in the morning. During the morning, one can revel in the beauty of Chaukhandi Stupa, which is one of the main stupas built by Ashoka after he converted into Buddhism.

Another main attraction is the Dhammek Stupa, made from a blend of stone and bricks. The stupa is 28 meters in diameter and has a height of 43.6 meters. Alternate theorist and historians from other countries suggest that the dome of this stupa indirectly refers to aliens and UFOs.

The intricate floral carvings of this stupa are reflective of early Gupta style of architecture.  The other highlight of Sarnath is Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which is a monument that showcases beautiful frescoes made a Japanese painter. This area is a rich repository of the culture and heritage of Buddhism. To gain more insight into Buddhism and to be enthralled by this history of this place, you can visit Sarnath Museum.

It is said to be the home of large number of relics that were excavated from Sarnath. The lion capital of Ashoka Pillar, which features on Indian emblem, is also...

Chaukhandi Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Sarnath was declared to be a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India in June 2019. Chaukhandi Stupa is thought originally to have been built as a terraced temple during the 7th and 8th centuries to mark the site where Buddha and his first disciples met traveling from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath. Later Govardhan, the son of a Raja Todar Mal, modified the stupa to its present shape by building the octagonal tower to commemorate the visit of Humayun, the Mughal ruler. It is a high earthen mound covered with a brickwork edifice topped by an octagonal tower. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Chaukhandi Stupa was built as a tiered temple (Pagoda) during the Gupta empire, between the 4th and 6th centuries to commemorate the meeting of Buddha and his first Panchavargiya Bhikshus (Buddha’s five companions) while traveling from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. Since the Stupa had four arms, it was given the name Chaukhandi. It is also mentioned in the account of Hiuen Tsang, a famous Chinese traveller of the 7th century AD. However, Over the centuries, the Chaukhandi Stupa underwent several renovations and additions. Govardhan, the son of Todarmal and a Mughal Finance Minister, altered and modified the Chaukhandi Stupa to its current shape, which was later rebuilt by Akbar. In June 2019, the Archaeological Survey of India designated Chaukhandi Stupa as a "protected area of national importance".

Even though it was built between the 4th and 5th centuries during the Gupta Dynasty, it still has a close relationship with Mughal rulers because the actual construction of this place is attributed to Govardhan.

In 1588, Govardhan, the son of Todarmal and a Mughal Finance Minister, altered and modified the Chaukhandi Stupa to its current shape to commemorate the visit of Mughal ruler Humayun to Sarnath. Akbar played a key role in the addition of this famous octagonal tower. However, everything at the time of construction was handled by Govardhan. As a result, we can conclude that the Chaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, has strong ties to...