Chaukhandi Stupa Sarnath

Marking the spot where Lord Buddha met five ascetics, Chaukhandi Stupa is said to have developed from a centuries-old burial mound. Tracing its history from the 5th-century AD, Chaukhandi Stupa is one of the most important Buddhist religious centres in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. The present shape of the Chaukhandi Stupa dates back to the 16th century. It was Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal, who built the stupa in an octagonal shape. At present, the stupa site is under the administration of Archaeological Survey of India. The surreal setting around this place includes impeccable serenity and verdant greenery. On a whole, Chaukhandi Stupa is a perfect place to meditate and to attain peace of mind. In the vicinity of this popular Buddhist stupa in Sarnath, ruins of centuries-old monasteries, which also include verandas and courtyards, can also be seen. Such is the charm of Chaukhandi Stupa that Buddhist followers from round the world visit the place, and hence, the site holds immense religious importance.

History

The history of this renowned historical site in Sarnath dates back to the Gupta Period. Chaukhandi Stupa is the place where Lord Buddha and his first five apostles met while travelling from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. However, later in the 16th century, the present structure, which is octagonal in shape, was built as a gesture to welcome the Mughal emperor - Humayun. There is another story that revolves around the construction of this stupa. It goes like this: in the year 1588, the great Mughal emperor - Akbar ordered Govardhan (his finance secretary) to construct an octagonal tower on the top of Chaukhandi Stupa. There is Persian inscription written on the doorways of the stupa saying that the king of seven climes - Humayun is residing in the paradise. He had a wish to visit this place one day to sit and to increase the grandeur of the sun. Therefore, a lofty tower was built by Akbar.