Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, is home to a number of Buddhist temples and monasteries. As of the twenty-first century, Sarnath is considered one of the holiest sites for Buddhists. Sarnath is the birthplace of the Sangha (the religious followers of Buddha), where Buddha delivered his first sermon that sparked the wheel of dharma in motion.
History of Sarnath
The name Sarnatath is taken from the Sanskrit word srangantha, which means “Lord of the Deer” from the famous Buddhist story of the Bodhisattva who was a deer and offered his life to the king instead of the deer he wanted to kill. The king is moved by this and decides to make a sanctuary for deers.
Why should you visit Sarnath?
There are many pilgrimage centers in India, but Sarnath is a perfect place for people who are oriented towards Buddhism. Dhamek Stupa, the city’s most popular attraction, is one of many attractions in the city. This place was built in memory of the spot where the Buddha first preached his sermon in the 5th – 6th century. Sarnath is definitely a must-visit if you’re interested in learning about Buddha’s life and gaining a deeper understanding of it.
The Sarnath Museum, a renowned museum of Buddhist sculpture, is a must-see for history buffs as it houses an extensive collection of exquisite Buddha sculptures. You can plan your Sarnath tour in the best possible way by using the Varanasi Sarnath travel itinerary.
Sarnath Sculptures:
Sarnath Sculptures are among the world’s most famous art pieces, and Indian National Emblem was adopted from these sculptures. Buddhists consider it a very holy place and one of the most beautiful sites in the world. This is one of the most popular tourist spots. Historical and spiritual significance was attached to this site.
Sarnath’s Most Popular Places to Visit
There are a lot of Buddha-themed attractions in Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage place in India. Additionally, Sarnath has many historical sites that provide a glimpse into its ancient history. Check out some of these amazing attractions in Sarnath:
- Tibetan Temple
- Chaukhandi Stupa
- Archaeological Museum
- Thai Temple
- Dhamek Stupa
- The Mahabodhi Society Temple
- Jain Temple
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
- Deer Park
Check more info: 10 Most Famous Attractions in Sarnath
Popular Things to do in Sarnath
The ancient city of Sarnath has historically significant sites, rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering food, beautiful parks, and much more. Your trip to Sarnath will be memorable if you explore the Buddhist sites in the city and enjoy the local cuisine. There are many things to do in Sarnath, but the following are some of the best –
- Dhamek Stupa is the perfect place to seek enlightenment.
- Take the time to explore where Buddha rested in peace.
- Find peace at Buddhist temples.
- Take a break in Wisdom Garden. Take a walk under the Bodhi Tree.
- Explore Chaukhandi Stupa.
- Enjoy delicious local cuisine.
- Be part of Buddha Purnima celebrations.
Sarnath Facts:
- Sarnath, a town in Uttar Pradesh near the confluence between the Ganges-Varuna rivers
- Sarnath, which means “Lord of Deer”
- After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Lord Buddha visited Sarnath.
- This location was made a pilgrimage spot after the Lord Buddha named it Sarnath, along with three other sacred places to his followers.
- Other holy places and Buddhist pilgrim centers are Kushinagar and Bodh Gaya.
- According to legend, it was here that Buddha began teaching his followers.
- In Sarnath’s Deer Park, Gautama Buddha proclaimed the Dharma and Kondanna received enlightenment.
COVID-19 Restrictions Masks are mandatory and you can’t enter the temple because of COVID restrictions.
Check the package for planning a trip to Kushinagar 01 Day Tour itinerary.
Festival Celebrated in Sarnath
You must attend Buddha Poornima or Maha Shivaratri if you want to celebrate the festivities
In Sarnath one of the biggest festivals in the month of May here is Buddha Purnima.
Mahashivratri, a major festive event in Sarnath, is celebrated during February and March.
Best Time to Visit Sarnath:
As the weather is pleasant in the winter, it is the best time to visit Sarnath. Sarnath experiences very hot temperatures during the summer.
If you want to make the most of your Sarnath experience, plan your trip between October and March. During these months, you can enjoy all the tourist attractions and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
How to Reach Sarnath
Getting to Sarnath by Air: The nearest domestic airport is in Varanasi. There are a number of direct and connecting flights between Varanasi airport and major airport cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
Getting to Sarnath by Train: You can reach Sarnath by train from major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Gaya, etc. multiple trains connect with Sarnath or Varanasi railway stations.
Getting to Sarnath by Road: Once you arrive in Varanasi, it will only take a few minutes to drive the 10km to Sarnath by taxi or three-wheeler. From nearby cities, State Transport Buses also run to Varanasi or Sarnath.
Q. What are the Sarnath Visiting Timings?
A. The Sarnath Museum is open from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening, except on Fridays.
Q. What is Entry Fee at Sarnath?
A. Entry Fee to visit Sarnath different for Indian and Foreigners. For Indians: 0 INR for Temple, 20 INR for Stupa and 50 INR for Museum and For Foreigners: 100 INR per head
Q. Are Photography Allowed in Sarnath Temple?
A. Yes, photography is allowed everywhere except in museums.
Q. Which popular festival takes place in Sarnath?
A. Sarnath is mostly known for its Buddh Purnima Festival
Q. Do have a dress code when visiting the temples in Sarnath?
A. No, a dress code is not required to visit the Sarnath temples.
