On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c19.125

v2.c19.125

Our pilgrim's description next tells of a tope near the west (D) or north-west of the Bodhi Tree inclosure. It was above 40 feet high and was called the Saffron Tope. The head of a trading company from Tsaokuṭa had with his fellows been miraculously preserved at sea by the interference of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva. On his return to his native land the merchant built a tope which he coated with saffron-scented plaster. Then he and his companions made a pilgrimage to the Bodhi Tree, and while they were at this place, the Saffron Tope suddenly appeared before them.