This is an impressive and big monument standing 128 feet high and 93 wide. All of the ancient buildings and structures at Sarnath were damaged or destroyed by the Turks. This dates back to 200 BC and is the spot where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon.

Chaukhandi stupa is said to be originally established by Emperor Ashoka during his reign. He built it in the 5th century when he started following Buddhism. The attic situated on an octagonal tower with rectangular platform is first in the list while entering Sarnath.

Sarnath has excavated a RICH lot of Buddhist sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva IMAGES in the museum. Sarnath is famous for the magnificent Ashokan pillar which has four lions carved back-to-back. The Ashokan pillar is adopted by Indian constitution as our national emblem called Ashoka Chakra.