The Chaukhandi Stupa is the farthest of all the monuments in Sarnath. If you are coming from Varanasi, it lies first and can be spotted on the left side. The stupa marks the spot where Buddha was reunited with the panchavargiya bhikshus, his five companions who had previously deserted him at Rajgir.
Chaukhandi Stupa appears to be in ruins and was originally constructed in the 5th Century AD. The structure which stands atop a terraced rectangular plinth, is capped by an relatively new octagonal Mughal tower. It was built by Akbar in 1589 AD to commemorate his father Humayun’s visit to the site. It is considered a big blessing to have a walk around the Chaukhandi Stupa and complete the Kora. Restoration work is currently on-going at the Chaukhandi Stupa.
In the garden adjacent to the stupa, there, usually, are busloads of tourists making prayers in their colourful robes and praying Buddham Sharnam Gacchami to make their journey successful and prayers in a soulful voice. Some of the best views of Chaukhandi Stupa can be had from the Garden of Spiritual Wisdom at the time of sunset, when the light comes from behind and imparts a beautiful hue to the stupa.
Some images of the Buddha and other statues were found in excavations at Chaukhandi Stupa are said to be rare artefacts and classic examples of art from the Gupta period.