Chaukhandi Stupa

Chaukhandi Stupa at Sarnath marks the sacred spot where Lord Buddha met his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The stupa dates to the Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) and was later modified in the 16th century when the Mughal prince Humayun visited the site and added an octagonal tower on top to commemorate his stay. The stupa is one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in Sarnath and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It stands as an evocative reminder of the Buddha's first steps in sharing his enlightenment with the world.