Kesariya Stupa
One of the largest Buddhist stupas known, about 32 metres high, revealed by excavation in 1998.
Rising from the plains of East Champaran, the Kesariya Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas known. It stands about 32 metres high and measures almost 120 metres around.
Tradition links the site to the Licchavis of Vaishali, who are said to have built a stupa here shortly after the Buddha’s death to hold the alms bowl he gave them. The original stupa probably dates to the time of Ashoka, around 250 BCE, while the terraced structure seen today belongs to the Pala period.
Alexander Cunningham surveyed the mound in 1861 and 1862, but it was the Archaeological Survey of India’s excavation led by K. K. Muhammed in 1998 that revealed the stupa. It is protected as a monument of national importance.
Getting there
Kesariya is in East Champaran district, near the town of Mehsi.
Visitor information
The stupa is a protected monument of national importance. Check access details with the Archaeological Survey of India.
Timings, fees and access can change. Please confirm with official sources before you travel.
