Chaukhandi Stupa

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath

The stupa is located within the present-day historical park of Sarnath. It was built to mark the place where the Buddha’s first five disciples welcomed him after his enlightenment, and was constructed in the 5th century during the Gupta period (circa 320–550). According to Record of Buddhist Kingdoms by Master Faxian, there were about 30 temples at Sarnath in the 5th century. However, most of them were demolished by Muslim forces in the late 12th century. The 30 m high octagonal tower on top of the mound is a 16th century Mughal period (circa 1526–1707) addition.
It is believed that structures from different periods have been built on top of each other at this site. The stupa currently has the appearance of a high earthen mound covered with brickwork forming multiple tiers. It has been suggested that this might have been a terraced temple. The surface of the lowest tier is decorated with rectangular geometric patterns.