Sarnath, a peaceful and spiritual city set in the otherwise densely populated state of Uttar Pradesh, is a city of historic wonder with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, ancient sites excavated, and beautiful temples that prove to be a source of tremendous wonder and amazement for tourists because of their mystical and serene environment. Sarnath is often flocked with devotees, being only 10 km from Varanasi, which is the ideal pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus alike.
Sarnath, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, features several temples and a serene atmosphere with its numerous architectural marvels of historical significance. Since then, being the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, Sarnath has been a popular tourist attraction and is well known both for its cultural significance and mystical atmosphere. We have, Ashoka’s Pillar, Dharma Stupa founded by Emperor Ashoka, and many more, to name a few attractions adding to the spiritual significance of Sarnath.
List of the 10 Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Sarnath:
1. Ashoka Pillar
India’s national emblem and a hallmark of the visit of Emperor Ashoka to Sarnath, the stone-made Ashoka Pillar is an imposing structure with four lions at the top. Together with the Dhamek Stupa, this 50 m long pillar is Ashoka’s gift to Buddhism and the aura is very peaceful around the whole complex. Around the compound, you can see many monks meditating. The whole complex is lined with lush green lawns, and along with the Stupa, they resemble a colony where the main attraction is the Ashoka Pillar. India’s oldest archaeological museum was built on the complex’s periphery.
Sarnath is also described in the Buddhist literature as Rishipatana since more than five hundred sages fell here after Nirvana had been attained. In the compound with beautiful carvings of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum,’ there are also prayer wheels in Sanskrit. The Ashoka Pillar’s graphical depiction and the words ‘ Satyamev Jayate’ written in Devanagari below have been adopted as India’s official emblem.
2. Tibetan Temple
This Buddhist shrine was adorned with Thangka, which are paintings from Tibetan Buddhism. The temple holds a statue of the Buddha, Shakyamuni. The Prayer Wheels are seen outside the building which releases paper scrolls with prayers written on them after being rotated in a clockwise direction.
3. Chaukhandi Stupa
The Chaukhandi Stupa is seen as one of the Buddhist culture’s most sacred and important monuments. This stupa was built at the exact place where the great Lord Buddha first met his five ascetics, to whom he later taught his first lessons.
The monument was erected as a commemoration of this important event which eventually became instrumental in the rise of the Buddhist religion. The Chaukhandi Stupa is an evolution around burial mounds and serves the great Lord Buddha as a shrine.
4. Buddha Purnima
The Buddha Purnima is celebrated to mark Gautham Buddha’s conception, enlightenment, and salvation. For most of the Buddhist sites and pilgrims from all over the world who throng to Sarnath, celebrations are held each year. The festival in India is called Buddha Purnima because it falls on a full moon night. Day-long prayers are being held during this day along with free medical camps for the sick. Lamps at the Bodhi Tree and other important places are illuminated at night.
Devotees place the Buddha statue in a basin filled with water and flowers which symbolize the divinity of his teachings. With vegetarian delicacies, hymns, and offerings such as candles, flowers, and incense; it celebrates with great fervor the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima.
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5. Archaeological Museum
The Archeological Museum was founded in 1910 and shows a small collection of artifacts from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Announced as one of India’s holiest sites for Buddhist pilgrimage, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after he had achieved enlightenment.
Home to some of the largest ruins of sacred Buddhist sites, Sarnath houses many stupas, excavates old monastery ruins, temples, museums, gardens, and other interesting sites. Prominent among Sarnath’s tourist attractions, Sarnath Archeological Museum is the most popular of the Sarnath Museums.
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6. Thai Temple
The Thai Temple, a well-known attraction in Sarnath, exhibits the architectural style. The temple is set among beautiful gardens and operated by Thai Buddhist Monks offering a peaceful and quiet setting.
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7. Dhamek Stupa
One of the world’s most visited and revered Buddhist institutions, Dhamek Stupa Sarnath lies in Sarnath, the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. One of India’s holiest sites for Buddhist pilgrimage, Sarnath is known as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after Bodhgaya had attained enlightenment.
Dhamek Stupa Sarnath marks the place where the Buddha had been preaching his first message. Constructed in 249 B.C.E. by the great Mauryan king Ashoka, Dhamek Stupa lies within Sarnath Deer Park.
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8. Jain Temple
Jainism arose and developed in India under the aegis of 24th Tirthankara Mahaveer, who lived in the 6th century BC and after 13 years of poverty attained enlightenment.
Jainism parallels Hinduism and Buddhism and pursues the cause of non-violence and harmony. In India, Jainism flourished mostly at Uttar Pradesh, parts of Orissa, and parts of Rajasthan. Jain Temple Sarnath is one of Sarnath’s most revered and holiest sites.
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9. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath is found amid ancient Sarnath’s brick ruins and is acknowledged for its spectacular murals and frescoes.
This Buddhist Temple is fairly new and therefore provides a powerful distinction to the Sarnath ruins; this temple additionally stands out for its distinct design that is a lot of just like the vogue adopted by Buddhist architecture. The Uttar Pradesh-based Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath is especially noted for its frescoes and murals.
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10. Deer Park or Isipatana
Located about 10 km from Varanasi’s popular Hindu pilgrimage center, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is one of India’s holiest destinations for Buddhist pilgrimages. Sarnath is home to some of the most extensive ruins of holy Buddhist sites, the site where Lord Buddha had delivered his first sermon since attaining enlightenment.
Several stupas, excavated ruins of old monasteries, temples, museums, parks, and other interesting sites in Sarnath form prominent tourist attractions. Among the Sarnath Gardens, Deer Park or Isipatana Sarnath is the most important.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Sarnath famous for?
Sarnath is famous for being the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, making it a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
2. Where is Sarnath located?
Sarnath is located near Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, about 10 kilometers from the city center.
3. What are the main attractions in Sarnath?
Key attractions include the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Temple.
4. What is the Dhamek Stupa?
The Dhamek Stupa is a massive stone and brick structure marking the exact spot where Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples.
5. What can I see in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum?
The museum displays ancient relics, sculptures, and artifacts, including the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is the national emblem of India.
6. What is the significance of the Chaukhandi Stupa?
The Chaukhandi Stupa marks the place where Buddha met his first disciples on his way to Sarnath and is a key historical monument.
7. What is the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Temple?
The Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Temple is a modern Buddhist temple with beautiful wall paintings depicting the life of Buddha and a peaceful meditation area.
8. Are there any Buddhist monasteries in Sarnath?
Yes, Sarnath has several Buddhist monasteries built by different countries, including Tibetan, Japanese, and Thai temples, each showcasing unique architectural styles.
9. What is the Ashoka Pillar in Sarnath?
The Ashoka Pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka to honor Buddhism. Although the pillar itself is in ruins, its lion capital is preserved in the museum.
10. Is there a Bodhi Tree in Sarnath?
Yes, there is a Bodhi Tree in Sarnath near the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Temple, which is a direct sapling from the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha meditated.
11. Can I visit Sarnath on a day trip from Varanasi?
Yes, Sarnath is only about 10 kilometers from Varanasi and can be easily visited as a day trip.
12. What is the best time to visit Sarnath?
The best time to visit Sarnath is during winter, from October to March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing.
13. Are there guided tours available in Sarnath?
Yes, guided tours are available that provide historical and cultural insights about each site, making it easier to understand the significance of Sarnath.
14. Is there an entry fee for the attractions in Sarnath?
Some attractions, like the Sarnath Archaeological Museum and Dhamek Stupa, may have a small entry fee, while others are free to visit.
15. Why is Sarnath important to Buddhists?
Sarnath is important because it’s where Buddha delivered his first teachings, known as the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta”, setting the wheel of Dharma in motion.
