Chaukhandi Stupa Sarnath

1. Overview & Archaeological Significance

Chaukhandi Stupa, situated in southern Sarnath approximately one kilometre south of the main Dhamek Stupa complex, is an architecturally unique monument of National Importance that embodies a fascinating union of ancient Buddhist sacred history and medieval Mughal imperial memory. In Buddhist tradition, this high mound commemorates the exact spot where Gautama Buddha, walking from Bodh Gaya after attaining supreme enlightenment in 528 BCE, was first met and received by his five former ascetic companions: Kaundinya, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama, and Assaji.

Located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, Chaukhandi Stupa Sarnath is centrally protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an irreplaceable landmark of South Asian civilization. Recognized for its stepped terraced brick plinth crowned by an octagonal mughal sandstone tower, the site provides profound insights into the technological prowess, cosmological beliefs, and cultural aesthetics of its ancient builders.

2. Dynastic Origins, Royal Patrons & Chronology

These five ascetics had previously abandoned Gautama when he renounced extreme self-mortification. Seeing him approach Sarnath from a distance, they initially resolved to show him no respect. However, as Buddha drew near, radiant with spiritual majesty, they were overcome with awe, rose instinctively to bow, washed his feet, took his robe and bowl, and accepted him as their teacher. The original brick stupa was constructed in the 5th century CE during the Gupta dynasty to commemorate this momentous reunion.

In 1588 CE, during the reign of Emperor Akbar the Great, the monument underwent a dramatic transformation. Raja Todar Mal's son, Govardhan, constructed an octagonal red sandstone pavilion tower atop the ancient brick stupa mound. This tower was erected to commemorate the visit of Akbar's father, Mughal Emperor Humayun, who had taken refuge at this high vantage point for a single night in 1539 CE while fleeing across the Ganga after his defeat by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Chausa. In June 2019, the Archaeological Survey of India officially declared Chaukhandi Stupa a Monument of National Importance.

3. Structural Engineering & Architectural Design

The base of the monument is a massive stepped rectangular brick structure consisting of three diminishing square terraces (*chaukhandi* meaning 'four-cornered' or 'terraced'). Built of large kiln-burnt bricks laid in mud mortar, the plinth features projecting buttress bays and recessed niches that once held terracotta sculptures of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

Crowning the summit of the third brick terrace, rising 25.5 metres (84 feet) above ground level, stands Govardhan's 1588 CE octagonal Mughal tower. Built of fine red sandstone, the tower features four arched doorways, four blind arched windows, and an overhanging bracketed chhajja cornice supported by decorative brackets, topped by an arched parapet.

Above the northern doorway of the octagonal tower is an intact Persian stone inscription composed in elegant Nasta'liq script, declaring: 'As Humayun, king of the seven climes, now residing in paradise, once illuminated this place with the splendor of his presence, his humble servant Govardhan decided to construct this lofty memorial so that the stars themselves might marvel at it in the year 996 Hijri (1588 CE).'

4. Archaeological Excavations, Epigraphy & Conservation

Alexander Cunningham excavated Chaukhandi Stupa in 1835, digging a vertical shaft through the center of the brick terraces. Although no relic casket was recovered, he confirmed that the solid brick mound belonged to the 5th century CE Gupta period, matching the descriptions recorded by Xuanzang in 640 CE.

Subsequent salvage excavations around the base revealed numerous fragments of Gupta-period terracotta heads, molded floral bricks, and painted pottery shards.

Between 2018 and 2021, the ASI Patna and Varanasi sub-circles completed extensive structural conservation, replacing damaged modern bricks with authentic lakhori bricks bonded with lime mortar and restoring the ancient perimeter drainage slope.

5. Master Highlights & Archaeological Marvels

Visitors can climb the well-paved stone stairs leading up the three stepped terraces to the base of the Mughal octagonal tower.

The 1588 CE Persian stone inscription above the north doorway is clearly legible and represents a rare physical marker of Mughal history on a Buddhist stupa.

The summit terrace offers sweeping panoramic views across the green agricultural fields of Sarnath, with the towering silhouette of Dhamek Stupa visible on the northern horizon.

6. Visiting Hours, Entry Permits & Visitor Guidelines

Chaukhandi Stupa is open daily from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Accessible all days of the year.

Online ticket costs are ₹20 for Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC visitors, and ₹250 for foreign tourists. Children under 15 enter free.

Visitors must not write graffiti or scratch names onto the 16th-century sandstone tower or ancient brick plinths.

Photography is permitted without tripod; drones require prior written ASI authorization. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the terrace stairs.

7. Site Museum & Interpretation Centers

Sculptural fragments discovered near Chaukhandi Stupa are preserved in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, located 1.2 km north.

ASI interpretive panels installed at the entrance garden describe both the Buddhist meeting event and the Mughal architectural addition.

8. Climate, Best Seasons & Ideal Visiting Hours

The optimal time to visit Chaukhandi Stupa is from October to March, when Varanasi experiences pleasant, sunny winter days.

Summers (April to June) are very hot. The early morning or late afternoon golden hours offer the best light for photographing the red sandstone tower.

9. Transit Logistics, Rail, Air & Road Access

Chaukhandi Stupa is located along Ashoka Marg in southern Sarnath, roughly 1 kilometre south of Dhamek Stupa and 8 kilometres northeast of Varanasi Cantt station.

Easily reachable by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or bicycle from anywhere in Sarnath or Varanasi city center.

10. Regional Heritage Circuits & Sibling Monuments

Chaukhandi Stupa is an essential opening stop when approaching Sarnath from Varanasi:

11. Frequently Asked Questions