Introduction

About 13 kilometers (8 miles) north-east of Varanasi lies a quiet, serene place called Sarnath. One of the top four Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in the world, it was here that the Buddha (Enlightened One) gave his first sermon. The others being Lumbini, where he was born, Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment (nirvana), and Kushinagar, where he left his mortal remains.

On attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Gautama Buddha walked to Sarnath along with disciples who were attracted to him en route. Here at the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon. Following this, the original Sangha was formed.

Later, Emperor Ashoka, who played an instrumental role in spreading Buddha's message across South East Asia and beyond, visited Sarnath around 232 BCE and erected a stupa here. Over the following 14 centuries till 11th century CE, numerous structures such as stupas, monasteries etc. came up in Sarnath. Many of them were subsequently damaged by Islamic invaders. Sarnath today, has the largest collection of ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The ruins, the museum and the temple are Sarnath's main attraction and are all within walking distance of each other.

One of the most striking features at Sarnath is Dhamekha Stupa in the deer park complex. Built by Emperor Ashoka, the 128 feet high (38 meters) and 93 feet (28 meters) in diameter structure is one of the first stops for tourists in Sarnath.

The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a modern temple erected by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society. Frescoes by Kosetsu Nosu, one of Japan's foremost painters, are eye catching. A rich repository of Buddhist literature is the other attraction here. Also see the bodhi tree whose sapling was brought from a tree in Sri Lanka, which in turn originated from the original tree under which Buddha sat in Bodh Gaya and gained enlightenment 2,500 years ago.

The museum at Sarnath has a rich collection. Ashoka Pillar, with the four-sided lions head, is among the main attractions here. It has been adopted as the National Emblem of India showing the Horse on the left and the Bull on the right of the Ashoka Chakra in the circular base on which the four Indian lions are standing back to back. The wheel 'Ashoka Chakra' from its base has been placed onto the center of the National Flag of India.

Also visit the Dharmarajika Stupa. This is one of the few surviving pre-Ashokan stupa ruins.

Special Attributes

One of the four holy places for Buddhists in the world

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Well connected by local transport

Enjoyed by

Culture and history enthusiasts

Exposure

The tour entails some walking in the sun.

Avoidable Season

July, August

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Keep a cap and water bottle handy.

Type of site

Buddhist site