Giriyak Stupa

INDIA, Bihar, Rajagriha

This stupa is located at the peak of Giriyak Hill, a short distance east of the Cyclopean Wall which encircled the ancient capital city of Rajagriha. It was excavated in 2010, and based on the bricks found, the structure dates back to the Maurya Empire (circa 321–185 BCE). It was renovated in the Gupta period (circa 320–550) and again in the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century). On the same hill there is a cave or rock shelter known locally as Indrashila Gufa. According to Chinese Master Faxian, this is the place where Sakra asked 42 questions to the Buddha by using fingers to trace their conversation on rocks. Chinese Master Xuanzang also visited this location in the 7th century.
The solid stupa is 9.5 m high with a cylindrical body measuring 8.5 m in diameter. It is made of tightly packed bricks. The 3 m high base is divided into two layers: a square base platform that is 10 m on each side, followed by a Sumeru base. This base is made of beautifully carved bricks and on the concave section there is a series of niches, which are now empty. The next part of the base is high but has no remaining distinguishing features. To the south of the stupa there is a similar base but the upper part of the stupa is no longer extant.