Dharmrajika Stupa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India

Dharmrajika Stupa is believed to be the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon. The Dharmrajika Stupa was pulled down in the 18th century by an officer of the Maharaja of Benaras who was looking for building material for constructing a bazaar. At present the 'Dharmrajika Stupa', built by the great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (273-232 B.C.) is in complete ruins. The stupa was enlarged five times during different periods and empires. In the eighteenth century, during the reign of Raja Chet Singh of Benaras, the stupa was again pulled apart by his Dewan, Jagat Singh.