A towering legacy

Kesaria Stupa stands as an impressive monument in Bihar's East Champaran District and has long been revered as an embodiment of magnificence and respect. Historical documents date it back to its foundation during the Gupta Dynasty around the 3rd century BCE. As further evidence of its association with Ashoka, excavations led by K. K. Muhammad for the Archaeological Survey of India revealed a wealth of exceptional artefacts at this site in 1958. Each layer revealed various figurines of Lord Buddha depicted with various poses including his "Bhumisparsha Mudra", made from soil and pebbles, along with Buddha images, arrowheads, copper items and Islamic coins as relics uncovered during excavation. Terraces with the sacred "Pradakshina path" allowed visitors to engage in circumambulation activities as part of this ancient religious practice.

Tales of wonder

Kesaria Stupa is a monument which has witnessed numerous significant events, capturing the attention of travellers and historians for over 1,000 years. According to Buddhist Jatak stories, Lord Buddha made profound remarks upon reaching Kesaria during his final journey as recorded by Jatak stories. Hieun Tshang's 7th century diary records his visit to Kesaria Stupa site and provides us with an invaluable account of his visit. Archaeologists speculate that Kesaria Stupa may have been constructed by Licchavis from Vaishali before Buddha attained Nirvana. It is believed that the mound was constructed during Buddha's lifetime, recalling descriptions of stupas erected by Licchavis of Vaishali to house their alms bowl from him. Over the centuries, travellers such as Fa Xian and Xuan Zang left fascinating records of their visits to this remarkable site.