Rang7 Guides
Rang7 members have created & contributed 308 Destinations, 77 Festivals, 47 Monuments, 40 National Parks and 58 Other Guides. Go ahead and Explore now!
Sarnath
[ 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.
[ 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
[ Edit ] Bodhi Tree
There is a bodhi tree at the site (important given that the Budhha achieved enlightenment while sitting under one) which was grown from a cutting from an important Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka.
[ Edit ] Dhamek Stupa
Unfortunately much of the buildings and monasteries at this site were sacked by the Turks. However, the Dhamekh Stupa fortunately survived.
Dharmekh Stupa is said to be located at the spot that the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. It was built in 200 BC and is 128 feet high and 93 feet in diameter. Budhha's relics are said to be housed at the center of the stupa.
[ Edit ] Dharmarajika Stupa
The Dharmarajika Stupa is one of the rare pre-Ashoka period stupas. Unfortunately, only the foundations remain of this stupa
[ Edit ] Sarnath Archaeological Museum
This museum houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art and has over 300 statues and images of Budhha. The museum also house the four headed lion, India's national symbol, that stood atop the Ashoka pillar at this site and thankfully survived the 45 foot drop to the ground.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Varanasi Airport is well connected to major cities in India.
[ Edit ] Rail
Varanasi Junction and Mughal Serai are the two main stations in Varanasi. Varanasi Junction is about 3km from the city while Mughal Serai station is located at a distance of about 15km from the city.
[ Edit ] Road
Sarnath is connected to Varanasi.
Driving distances from:
[ Edit ] Getting Around
[ Edit ] Other Information
Sarnath is also known Mrigadava, Migadāya, Rishipattana, and Isipatana.
[ Edit ] Shopping
[ Edit ] Food
[ARCHIVES ]
Related Photos
