Chaukhandi Stupa, Buddhist stupa in Sarnath, India
Chaukhandi Stupa is a brick structure in Sarnath with a rectangular base that rises in stepped levels toward an octagonal tower at the top. The entire building shows layers of construction stacked together, creating a shape that tapers upward like a pyramid.
This structure was built in the 5th century at the place where Buddha first encountered his followers after leaving Bodh Gaya. An octagonal tower was added much later under Emperor Akbar's rule, changing the original building's appearance.
The site blends Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles in ways you can see today, showing how different faiths coexisted in the region for centuries. As you walk around, the layers of construction tell this story without words.
You can reach this site from Varanasi using local transport and then walk the final distance on foot. It helps to arrive early in the morning when the grounds are less crowded and the weather is more comfortable.
The octagonal tower top was commissioned by an outpost of Mughal Emperor Akbar, making this Buddhist site a rare example of direct Mughal involvement in religious structures. This connection between the Islamic empire and the Buddhist sanctuary often goes unnoticed by visitors.
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