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The Kesaria Stupa is one of the finest and oldest architecture depicting Indian culture and heritage. Kesaria stupa is known as the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. The first building of the Stupa was constructed in the 3rd century B.C.E. Kesariya Stupa has a circumference of nearly 400 feet (120 m) and rises to about 104 feet. The original Kesaria stupa was built by the emperor Ashoka in 250 BCE. The Kesaria stupa is situated in the Champaran district of Bihar. Recently the Kesaria stupa was waterlogged with floods. Let us now know about the Kesari stupa, the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world.
The Kesaria Stupa
The Kesaria stupa is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world and was built by Ashoka in 250 BCE. The Archaeological Survey of India (A.S.I.) has declared the Kesaria stupa a protected monument of national importance. The Stupa is the largest and the tallest Buddhist Stupa in the world. It is found in Kesariya, at a span of 110 kilometres from Patna, in the East Champaran district of Bihar. The Kesaria Stupa has nearly 400 feet and stands at about 104 feet. The exploration of the stupas started in the early 19th century and was discovered by Colonel Mackenzie in 1814. Later, it was excavated in 1861-1862 by General Cunningham, and in 1998, the A.S.I. The team led the excavation by K.K. Muhammad. The villagers call the stupa “devalaya,” which means the house of gods. Increasing to a height of 104 feet and much decreased than its original height, it is one foot more elevated than the famous Borobodur Stupa in Java, a world heritage monument. The Kesaria Stupa was 123 feet tall before the earthquake in 1934 in Bihar. According to the A.S.I. in the halcyon days when Buddhism thrived in India, the Kesaria Stupa was 150 feet and the Borobudur stupa 138 feet tall.
History of Kesaria stupa
The first Stupa was constructed in the 3rd century B.C.E. King Ashoka built the original Kesaria stupa. The remains of the capital of the pillar of Ashoka were discovered there.
It has many descriptions and was erected by the Licchavis of Vaishali. The Stupa mound was inaugurated during the Buddha period.
The current Stupa was built between 200 AD and 750 AD by the Gupta dynasty and associated with Raja Chakravarti.
During ancient times, Kesaria was under the rule of the Mauryas and the Licchavis. Also, the Two great foreign travellers, Xuan Zang (Hsuan Tsang)
Faxian (Fahien) had visited the place in ancient times and left exciting and enlightening statements about their travels.
The finding of gold coins carrying the seal of the famous emperor Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty (A.D. 30 to AD 375) further establishes the ancient heritage of Kesaria.
Significance of Stupas in Buddhism
- The building of Stupas is a famous tradition in Monastic establishments, which is a normal part of Buddhist traditions. It is also common to sculptures, spot stone pillars, monumental figures, and rock-cut caves in several places.
- The structure of Stupas over relics of Buddha in textual traditions mentions the construction of Stupas at other renowned places, including Gandhara and Avanti. A classic example is in Bairat from the 3rd century B.C.
- The splendid Stupa has a circular path and a circular mound. Another incredible Stupa at Sanchi was built using bricks during the time of Ashoka.
- Several narratives have defined that Buddha’s life used to become a Buddhist tradition, which led to the adoption of various events from the life of Buddha. They are depicted as Jataka stories on railing and torans of the stupas. Significant events include the Buddha’s life, such as birth, enlightenment, renunciation, and mahaparinibbana.
- As per ancient beliefs, several narratives from Buddha’s life used to become a Buddhist tradition.
- The patronage has been very collective and ranges from gajapati to devotees and kings. Several sites got donations from the guilds as an inscription—a few inscriptions, namely Kanha at Pitalkhor and Balaka at Kondane caves. The working method is in nature and at times a specific portion of the monument got patronisation.
Conclusion
Kesaria stupa is known as the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. Kesariya is a town in the Indian state of Bihar, located in the district of East Champaran. It is the location of a Mauryan ruler Ashoka’s stupa. The Archeological Survey of India is an exceptional association that encourages the protection and research of the cultural heritage of India. The A.S.I.I operate as a connected office under the Department of Culture. The department’s primary functions are supervising ancient memorials such as the Kesariya Stupa and restraining all related archaeological activities. The Kesaria Stupa is one of the finest and oldest architecture depicting Indian culture and heritage.
