Kesariya Buddha Stupa
Details: The Kesariya Stupa is a colossal monument that stands as a testament to the grand Buddhist heritage of ancient India. Historically, it is believed that Lord Buddha, on his final journey to Kushinagar, stayed here for a night and gave his alms bowl to the people of Vaishali, asking them to return. To commemorate this event, the Licchavis originally built a small mud stupa, which was later enlarged by Emperor Ashoka and the kings of the Gupta and Pala dynasties. For centuries, this massive structure was hidden under a mound known locally as "Raja Ben Ka Deora." It was officially discovered by Colonel Mackenzie in 1814 and later excavated by Alexander Cunningham in the 1860s. However, it wasn't until the 1998 excavation by the ASI that its true scale was revealed. The stupa is unique because of its polygonal base and terraced structure, which many archaeologists believe served as a model for the Borobudur Stupa in Indonesia. Despite suffering damage during the 1934 earthquake and recent flooding issues, the stupa remains an awe-inspiring site. The terraces are adorned with numerous statues of Buddha in various mudras, though many are now headless or weathered. It is recognized as the largest and tallest stupa in the world, surpassing even the Sanchi Stupa in height.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 3 HoursPlace Type:
Category: Religious & Archaeological SiteTiming:
Timings:
Regular: Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Ideal: Winter mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to avoid the afternoon haze. ...Timings:
Regular: Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Ideal: Winter mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to avoid the afternoon haze.Best Photo Spots:
Best Photo Spots:
The Main Entrance Gate: Provides a framed view of the stupa.
The South-West Corner: Best for capturing the terraced profile against the sky.
Detailed Niche ...Best Photo Spots:
The Main Entrance Gate: Provides a framed view of the stupa.
The South-West Corner: Best for capturing the terraced profile against the sky.
Detailed Niche Shots: Focusing on the weathered Buddha statues in the terrace cells.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Things to Do:
Circumambulation: Perform the traditional 'Parikrama' around the base to appreciate the scale.
Architectural Study: Observe the transition from square to circular geometry in the terraces.
Photography: Use wide-angle lenses to capture the entire structure from the gateway.
Bird Watching: The surrounding agricultural lands attract local pond herons and egrets.
Picnic: The lawns managed by ASI are suitable for a quiet family lunch.
Interaction with Monks: Frequently, visiting monks from Southeast Asia perform prayers here.
Nearby Village Walk: Experience the rural life of Kesaria which has remained unchanged fo...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous:
Height and Scale: It is the tallest Buddhist stupa in existence globally.
Historical Link: Associated with the final days of Gautama Buddha.
Global Linkage: Its ...Why Famous:
Height and Scale: It is the tallest Buddhist stupa in existence globally.
Historical Link: Associated with the final days of Gautama Buddha.
Global Linkage: Its architectural design links Indian Buddhist art to the Borobudur temple in Java, Indonesia. -
Architecture:
Architecture:
Multi-Terraced Circular Stupa Dimensions: The stupa stands at a height of approximately 104 feet (though it was originally 123 feet). It has a massive circumference of nearly 400 feet. The structure consists of six distinct ...Architecture:
Multi-Terraced Circular Stupa Dimensions: The stupa stands at a height of approximately 104 feet (though it was originally 123 feet). It has a massive circumference of nearly 400 feet. The structure consists of six distinct terraces, each featuring small cells or niches that house life-sized brick-and-lime statues of Buddha. The base is polygonal (star-shaped) and transitions into a circular drum at the top. The masonry uses large kiln-burnt bricks characteristic of the Gupta era, held together by lime mortar. -
How To Reach:
How to Reach:
By Air: Patna Airport (110 KM).
By Train: Chakia Railway Station is the nearest (22 KM away).
By Road: Located on the Chakia-Kesariya road; well connected ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Near Places: 1. Vaishali (55 KM) 2. Areraj Temple (22 KM) 3. Motihari (52 KM) 4. Lauria Nandangarh (95 KM) 5. Muzaffarpur (75 KM) 6. Gandhi Smarak (52 KM) 7. Sonepur (90 KM) 8. Patna (110 KM) 9. Rampurwa (110 KM) 10. Bhitiharwa (115 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Tourism Tips:
Health: Use sun protection; there is little shade on the stupa itself.
Packing: Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Accommodation: Better to stay in Moti...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
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Kesariya StupaKumhrar ParkRohtasgarh FortRuins of VikramshilaValmiki Tiger ReserveBio-Diversity ParkFanishwar Nath Renu JungleForbesganj Mela GroundJogbaniJokihat MosqueMaata Aasawar MandirRampur Over BridgeRaniganj Vriksh VatikaShiva MandirSultan PhokherBaba Bateshwarnath TempleBaithakji Hajipur Baraila Lake More PlacesNote:-
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