Chaukhandi Stupa,Varanasi
Chaukhandi Stupa in Varanasi is an important old Buddhist monument located in Sarnath, close to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is famous because it is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha met his five disciples for the first time after he became enlightened. This meeting is very special because it led to Buddha giving his first teachings.
The stupa itself is a tall, mound-like structure, typically found at Buddhist sites, serving as a place for devotion and meditation. Its distinct square shape and intricate carvings make it a unique and significant historical site for Buddhists and visitors alike.
Chaukhandi StupaTimings
| Season | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Time | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Closing Time | 7:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
Chaukhandi StupaPhotos
Entry Gate of Chaukhandi Stupa
Marble Information Tablet
Close View of Chaukhandi Stupa
Front View of Chaukhandi Stupa
How To ReachChaukhandi Stupa
By Air:
The nearest airport: is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi
Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers
Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour by taxi or ride-sharing service
By Train:
Nearest railway station: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt)
Distance from Varanasi Junction: Approximately 13 kilometers
Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes by taxi or local bus
By Road:
Accessible via National Highway 31
Distance from Varanasi city center: Approximately 12 kilometers
Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes by car, bus, or taxi
Chaukhandi StupaLocation from other Places
| Tourist Place | Approx Distance |
|---|---|
| Dhamek Stupa | 1 km |
| Mulagandha Kuti Vihara | 1.5 km |
| Sarnath Archaeological Site | 2 km |
| Thai Temple | 3 km |
| Ashoka Pillar | 3.5 km |
| Sarnath Museum | 4 km |
History of Chaukhandi Stupa
The Chaukhandi Stupa, located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a big earthen mound with a tower on top. It’s a reminder of Buddhism’s early days in India and the country’s rich past. Built during the Gupta empire, around the 4th to 6th centuries, the stupa was first made as a temple to remember Buddha’s meeting with his first five companions on their journey from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. Its name, Chaukhandi, means “four arms” because of its shape. A famous traveler named Hiuen Tsang wrote about the stupa in the 7th century AD. The stupa has changed over the years. Govardhan, the son of Todarmal and a Mughal Finance Minister, changed its shape, and later Akbar made more adjustments. In June 2019, the Archaeological Survey of India declared the Chaukhandi Stupa a protected area of national importance.