Chaukhandi Stupa is located 13 kilometres from Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an important Buddhist stupa in Sarnath. It is a mound like structure that contains the remains of Buddha. It serves as a place of worship for the Buddhists.

History of Chaukhandi Stupa
According to the history Chaukhandi Stupa, has been built during the Gupta period between the 4th and 6th Century. It was then in the form of a terraced temple. The Chaukhandi Stupa is said to be originally a terraced temple. It was celebrated to mark the site where Gautam Buddha after his enlightenment met with his five disciples while travelling from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath. The present structure of the Chaukhandi Stupa was given by Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal. In 1567, Emperor Akbar of the Mughal Dynasty raised an octagonal tower above the stupa to commemorate the visit of his father Humayun in 1532 here. The octagonal tower is thus of Islamic origin and a later addition to the Chaukhandi Stupa.

Architecture of Chaukhandi Stupa
Chaukhandi Stupa is a lofty mound covered with a edifice of brickwork and surrounded by an octagonal tower. It stands in lush green lawns and is well maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. This site was excavated by Alexander Cunningham in 1934-36 and Daya Ram Sahni in 1927-32. The Chaukhandi Stupa forms a gateway to the city of Sarnath.

There are many other places to visit near Chaukhandi Stupa like the Dhamek Stupa, Dharmachakra stupa, Dharmajika Stupa, site of the Asoka Pillar, and Mulagandhakuti temple. Tourists visiting this place can also get to see relics of ancient monasteries, courtyards and verandas. Chaukhandi Stupa is thus serves as a famous tourist spot of Varanasi.

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