Chaukhandi Stupa in Sarnath, Varanasi - A Hemispherical dome-shaped structure maintained by Archeological Survey of India

Last year I was visiting the historical site of Sarnath Stupa, located in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. As I walk towards the entrance, I was already in awe of the beauty and serenity of the place. The lush green trees and the calming sound of the fountain in the pond make me feel peaceful.


Chaukhandi Stupa is believed to be built in the 5th century AD as a memorial to Lord Buddha, who is said to have delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. The stupa is a hemispherical dome-shaped structure made of brick and stone, and is surrounded by multiple smaller stupas and sculpted stone pillars.


As you approach Chaukhandi Stupa, you will be struck by its simple yet elegant design. The entrance is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Lord Buddha's life. The dome of the stupa is surrounded by several smaller domes and towers, which give it a unique and distinctive look.


Climbing to the top of the Sarnath stupa provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area, and is a must-visit spot for any traveler to Sarnath. From the top, you can see the lush green fields and the winding Ganges river in the distance, making for a truly breathtaking experience.


As I enter the complex, I see the magnificent Stupa towering in front of me. It is said that this is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. The Stupa is a solid dome structure, built of brick and stone, and it is surrounded by several smaller shrines and temples.


I walk around the Stupa, taking in the intricate carvings and paintings that adorn its walls. The intricate carvings depict scenes from the life of Lord Buddha and his teachings. I am in awe of the skill and talent of the artists who created these masterpieces.


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Next, we visited the Dhamekh Stupa, which is considered to be the oldest standing structure in Sarnath. This cylindrical structure is made of stone and is believed to have been built to mark the spot where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. As we stand in front of the Stupa, we could feel the energy and spiritual aura of the place.


We then walked to the Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts and manuscripts. The museum showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of Sarnath and provides a glimpse into the life and times of Lord Buddha.


As we leave the museum, we took a walk through the lush green park that surrounds the Stupa. We sat on a bench, taking in the beauty of the place and feeling grateful for the opportunity to visit such a historical and spiritual site.



How far is Sarnath Stupa  from Varanasi ghats?


The Sarnath Stupa is located about 10 kilometers from the famous Varanasi Ghats. The quickest way to get from the Ghats to the Stupa is by taking a taxi, which should take around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.


We took uber from the main road near ghats and reached Sarnath. There are multiple things to explore here and after a walk around these monuments, we headed to the fort on other side of the town and it was relatively long drive. In one way day we went to Sarnath in morning, the to the fort and to BHU and headed back to ghats for evening Aarti. Are you wondering if it's doable? Yes, it is. 


Chaukhandi Stupa is a good destination for anyone who is visiting Varanasi and loves history, culture, and spirituality. The peaceful surroundings, the magnificent Stupa, and the rich cultural heritage make Sarnath a truly unique and special place.


Related Blogposts -

With lot of travel (personal & business) in last 5 months, we are lagging behind in sharing some of these experiences. We were in Benaras during Mahindra Kabira Festival, which happens in the month of November every year. During the same trip, we also took out time to walk around the beautiful city of Kashi and one of the most talked experiences of Varanasi is Ganga Aarti, which takes place on different ghats during morning as well as evening. Through this blogpost, we want to share these Ganga Aarti experiences on different ghats and will also share some recommendations.Ganga Aarti in Varanasi - Is it really an exceptional experience or an over-hyped activity to do in Kashi of India?
































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