Short distance from Dhamek Stupa at main complex of Sarnath, stands a 93 ft high brick structure of Chankhandi Stupa. It is another important Buddhist heritage site built during Gupta Period within 4th to 6th century. The site was believed to be the spot where Buddha met his first five disciples after enlightenment in Bodhgaya. It was mentioned in the travel accounts of Chinese monk Xuanzhang who visited Sarnath in 7th century.
Chankhandi Stupa was covered in mud mortar when excavation work was proceeded in year 1835. Its diminishing three terraces each measured as 12 ft high by 12ft wide supported by inner and outer walls, were brought to light. Outer walls of the terraces were found ornamented with a series of niches that were separated by pilasters.
The octagonal tower that crowned on top of the mound was a Mughal structure, added in year 1588 by Govardham, the son of Raja, to commemorate the visit of the powerful Mughal ruler, Humayun.
Various plinths were found at Chankhandi Stupa and it was believed that the Stupa might once be a site that enshrined the relic of Buddha.
Chaukhandi Stupa is now undergoing a restoration and was to be preserved by archeological survey authority of India.
The 80 feet tall Buddha Image near the ASI Museum at Sarnath is considered the tallest standing statue of Buddha in India. It is located on the premises of Thai Buddhist Vihara covering an area of 2.5 acre of land with beautiful gardens.
The construction of this huge Buddha image was initiated by an Indian Buddhist monk Rev. Rasmi Shashan and a Thai monk Rev. Prakash Samadhiguna. The work began in year 1997 and unveiled in 2011. It took 5 years just for the cutting, polishing and carving of stone material and the project stopped for 3 years without any progress due to financial difficulty. The sandstone structure that consists of 815 stones takes 14 years to complete. It was the great shared efforts of Indian and Thais that made it a success. Building fund was contributed by a number of Buddhist and non-Buddhist organizations and devotees from all parts of the world.
The Mandapa (altar) set in front of the giant image of Buddha, is enshrined with a seated image of Buddha.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar in front of the Deer Park is a monastery built by Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society. It was started to build in year 1904 and officially declared opened on 11th November 1931. The Hall enshrines with a gold gilded Buddha Image adorned with beautiful paintings depicting the story of Buddha on four sides of the wall. The drawings were done by the renowned Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu.
The Sri Langka built Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is said to have enshrined with the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, unearthed in the excavation during British colonial period.
It was believed that the site of the imposing Sri Langka built Mulagandha Kuti Vihar was the very spot where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
Images of Buddha and his first 5 disciples at the site of Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
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