A Gupta-age brick stupa of the 4th–5th century, rising in three terraces on the road into Sarnath, under a kilometre south of the Dhamek Stupa.
The octagonal tower atop Chaukhandi Stupa against a blue sky, Sarnath
Timings and fees are not confirmed from an official source; check before you go.
The ASI identifies it as the spot where the Buddha, after his enlightenment, first met the five monks who had been his companions; the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang described it in the 7th century. On the summit stands an octagonal Mughal tower: an inscription over its north door records that Govardhan, son of Raja Todar Mal, built it in 1588, in Akbar's reign, to mark Emperor Humayun's visit. Excavated in 1835 and 1904–05, it was declared a protected area of national importance in 2019.
Seeing their former companion approach, the five ascetics agreed not to rise for him, yet as he came near they stood to receive him. From here they walked together to the deer park, where he gave them his first teaching.
Sources: ASI site signboard at Chaukhandi Stupa (photo on Wikimedia Commons): Gupta date, first meeting with the five monks, 1835 and 1904–05 excavations, Govardhan's tower of 1588 · Wikipedia — Chaukhandi Stupa (coordinates; national importance, June 2019) · GKToday — ASI declares Chaukhandi Stupa as Monument of National Importance (10 Jun 2019) · Indian Antiquary, Vol. 37 (Oct 1908), p. 278 — Persian inscription of 1588 in Akbar's tower on the Chaukhandi mound · ASI Sarnath Circle — Visitor information (monument ticket rates) · UNI — Centre proposes revised list of ticketed ASI monuments; Sarnath site and Chaukhandi Stupa in Category A (9 Sep 2026) · Trawell — Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath (timings, ticket)
