Chaukhandi Stupa Sarnath
• Historic Gateway to the 5th Century Stupa
• Symbol of Buddha’s Arrival at Sarnath
• Historic Gateway to the 5th Century Stupa
• Symbol of Buddha’s Arrival at Sarnath
The Chaukhandi Stupa is one of the earliest and most remarkable Buddhist monuments of Sarnath. It is believed to have been originally built in the 5th century CE to mark the site where Lord Buddha met his first five disciples — the “Pañcavaggiya monks” — on his way from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath.
The stupa stands on a terraced square platform, surrounded by lush greenery and open sky, creating an atmosphere of calmness and devotion. Its name “Chaukhandi” is derived from the Hindi word “Chaukhanda”, meaning “four-sided structure”.
The base of Chaukhandi Stupa dates back to the Gupta period (5th–6th century CE). Later, during the Mughal era, Govardhan, the son of Raja Todar Mal, added an octagonal tower to commemorate Emperor Humayun’s visit to the site in 1588 CE. This combination of ancient Buddhist and Mughal architectural styles makes it one of a kind in India.
Unlike the Main Archaeological Complex, this site has a separate entry and is open for visitors without an entry ticket. It stands slightly apart from the main Sarnath complex, usually serving as the first stop for most travelers entering the Sarnath heritage zone.
Chaukhandi Stupa is located about 1 km before the Main Archaeological Complex of Sarnath, on the Varanasi–Sarnath Road. It is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or cycle rickshaw from Varanasi city center (around 8 km distance).
Visitors often begin their Sarnath journey here before heading to Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and other monuments within the main complex.