Kesariya Stupa, located in East Champaran district of Bihar, is considered to be the tallest Buddhist stupa not only in India but also in the world. This place associated with history and faith is related to Lord Gautam Buddha himself. It is said that before his Mahaparinirvana, Buddha gave his last sermon to his followers and handed over his alms bowl to them. This is the reason why this place remains a center of reverence and devotion even today.
Considered a symbol of the ancient glory of India, this stupa is about 104 feet high and the life philosophy of Buddha is engraved in its six-layered structure. This grand stupa made of bricks and mud is considered a living example of Maurya and Gupta period architecture. Every year thousands of devotees and tourists reach here, especially on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day.
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Where is Kesariya Stupa?
Kesariya Stupa is located in Kesariya town in East Champaran district of Bihar, about 110 kilometers north-west of Patna and about 40 kilometers from Vaishali. This stupa is one of the tallest Buddhist stupas not only in India but also in South Asia. The height of this stupa is about 104 feet (32 meters), which is counted among the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal after Lumbini and Sarnath.
History of Kesariya Stupa and beliefs related to Buddhism
Kesariya Stupa is directly related to Lord Gautam Buddha. It is said that when Buddha started his last journey from Vaishali to Kushinagar (before Mahaparinirvana), he stayed for some time in Kesariya. There he gave the last sermon (Dhammadeshana) to the local Licchavi rulers and his followers.
According to legend, Buddha took leave of his followers here by giving them an ‘alms bowl’ and this place became famous as ‘Bhikshapatra Daan Sthal’. After Gautam Buddha’s Nirvana, his followers built this huge stupa in his memory, which was rebuilt several times over time.
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Religious and cultural significance
- Every year thousands of devotees come here on Buddhist Purnima and Dhamma Chakra Pravartana Day.
- The views of sunrise and sunset here are considered very attractive, it is believed that meditating here provides peace of mind and spiritual energy.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared this stupa as a national protected monument.
Features and architecture of stupa
- Kesariya Stupa is a wonderful combination of Mauryan and Gupta period architecture.
- It has six storey-like layers, which become smaller in size as they go up.
- There are statues of Buddha, Dhyanamudra and Dharmachakra symbols at every level.
- On the four sides of the stupa there are statues depicting four different forms of Buddha (meditation, discourse, almsgiving, and nirvana).
- The lower part of the stupa is made by mixing brick and mud, which is believed to be more than 2000 years old.
How to reach here
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway stations here are Chhapra, Motihari, and Vaishali. Of these, Motihari station (about 40 km away) is the nearest.
by the road: Direct road is available from Patna, Vaishali or Motihari. One can easily reach here via NH-28.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport here is Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport, which is located in Patna, this airport is about 125 km from here.
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