Kesaria stupa

Kesariya Stupa is a Buddhist stupa in Kesariya, located at a distance of 110 kilometres (68 mi) from Patna, in the Champaran (east) district of Bihar, India. The first construction of the Stupa is dated to the 3rd century BCE.[1] Kesariya Stupa has a circumference of almost 400 feet (120 m) and raises to a height of about 104 feet (32 m).[1]

Kesariya Stupa
Kesariya Stupa
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
Location
Location India
StateBihar
Shown within India
Geographic coordinates26.334140°N 84.854762°E / 26.334140; 84.854762
Height (max)104ft

History
Buddha Statue

The site's exploration reportedly started in the early 19th century, from its discovery led by Colonel Mackenzie in 1814 to General Cunningham's proper excavation in 1861–62. An excavation was conducted by archaeologist KK Muhammed of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1998.[1] The original Kesariya stupa probably dates to the time of Ashoka (circa 250 BCE), as the remains of a capital of a Pillar of Ashoka were discovered there.[2]

The stupa mound may even have been inaugurated during the Buddha's time, as it corresponds in many respects to the description of the stupa erected by the Licchavis of Vaishali to house the alms bowl the Buddha has given them.[1]

The current stupa dates to the Gupta Dynasty between 200 AD and 750 AD, and may have been associated with the 4th century ruler Raja Chakravarti. The local people call this stupa "Devala", meaning "house of god".

The ASI has declared the stupa a protected monument of national importance. But despite being a popular tourist attraction, Kesariya is yet to be developed and a large part of the stupa still remained under vegetation.[3]

Panorama of the stupa.
Pilgrimage to
Buddha's
Holy Sites
The Four Main Sites
Four Additional Sites
Other Sites
Later Sites

See also

Reference notes
  1. Le Huu Phuoc, Buddhist Architecture, Grafikol 2009, pp.169-171
  2. Buddhist Architecture, Lee Huu Phuoc, Grafikol 2009, p.140-174
  3. "Kesaria Stupa – World's Tallest Buddhist Stupa". www.earthismysterious.com. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
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