[ Edit ] Overview

Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus.  It is the village at which the Buddha gave his first major sermon in 528 BC - the Dharmachakra (the "Wheel of Law") - after gaining enlightenment. 

Located close to Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the most important pilgrimage site for Bhuddists.  The key monument here is the Dhamekh Stupa where Buddha is believed to have delivered his sermon to his five disciples.  

Recent News

[ Edit ] History

Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.  The other three sites are: Lumbini, Nepal (where Budhha was born), Bodh Gaya (where he achieved enlightenment), and Kushinagar (where he died).

Buddha came to Sarnath in 528 BC to deliver his first sermon to his 5 disciples.  The religion flourished in this town given the strong support and patronage from the kings and wealthy merchants from nearby Varanasi.  The religion received strong support from Emperor Ashoka who was the the most important convert from Hinduism.  By the 7th century, when Hsuan Tsang the noted Chinese visited Sarnath, he found found 30 monasteries and 3,000 monks living here.

Sarnath unfortunately suffered at the hands of the Muslims when they started moving into the Indian sub-continent.  In the 12th century, Turkish Muslims sacked Sarnath and the site lay in ruins and was plundered over time for building materials.  It wasn't until 1836, that the site was re-discovered and the British began excavations and restoration.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Uttar Pradesh, India

[ Edit ] Location

Sarnath is located about ~15 kms north east of Varanasi.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

October to March is the most pleasant time of year to visit Sarnath.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

0542

Sightseeing

Bodhi Tree

Dhamek Stupa

Dharmarajika Stupa

Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Weather

DAY: Fri	LOW: 26	HIGH: 31
DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

Map

[ARCHIVES ]