After Lord Buddha announced his final departure, the Lichhavis
were overwhelmed with grief and set to follow the Lord uptil
Kushi Nagar, his final resting-place. Lord Buddha, during
his travel from Vaishali to Kushinagar had spent the night
at Kesariya and gave the Lichhavis his alms bowl. Lord Buddha
forbade them to follow him and in order to stop them, created
an illusion of a river in spate, which finally compelled
them to retreat. This place is identified as kesariya, where
Emperor Ashok, later built a stupa.
The crown jewel of the Champaran district, according to
the famous Persian book of the Mughal Empire, namely, Ain-e-Akbari,
Kesariya , occupies a pivotal place in the economic domain
of the district. The ornamentation of Deora, and its development
into a tourist spot, will be instrumental in restoring the
ancient and historic glory of Kesariya. Prime Sites
The Stupa
To commemorate the stay of Buddha at Kesariya, where he
landed before his final departure to Kushi Nagar where he
achieved his ‘Mahaparinirwana’, Ashok, the emperor,
built a stupa. It was here that he bade good bye to lichhavis.
Deora
Located two miles to the south of Kesariya Block Headquarters,
Deora is the main attraction of Kesariya’s golden
history. Presently, occupying a tall mound of brick and
earthen debris, this place is very associated with important
facets in the life of Lord Buddha.
Shivalingam in the Bhagvan Kesharnath
Temple
A priceless treasure of ancient times at Kesariya, is
this lingam that was discovered during the canal excavations
of 1969. According to local belief, the lingam bearing resemblance
to the one described in Agni Purana, is believed to belong
to an ancient temple. Its significance increases markedly
in the month of Shravana, though the devotees throng the
place on Mondays and Fridays on a regular basis.
Gandhi library
This vibrant Library, housing many priceless books, is
very popular in the educational arena of Kesariya.
Dhehkanha Math
Kesariya was an important cultural centre in the past, which
is well reflected in the ‘Dhekanha Math’. Its
history spans two hundred years. This ‘Math’
is situated seven kilometers towards south of the Block
Headquarters, in the village of Dhehkanha.
The city of Kesariya has played a very important role in
the freeedom struggle of our country. Gandhiji, the Father
of the Nation, had come to the Kesariya, during his tour
of Champaran against the indigo plantations. The Non-Cooperation
Movement started by Gandhiji had a deep and extensive impact
on Kesariya. This was the first ashram where ‘khadi’
was introduced and publicized.
How to get there
Road:
It is directly connected with the National Highway that
leads to Uttar Pradesh.
