Sarnath

Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha met his first disciples and preached his first sermon, is aptly known as the birthplace of Buddhism. Later, its status was enhanced by King Ashoka by establishing stupas, monasteries and the famous Iron Pillar. As Buddhism went into decline and Mughals invaded & plundered the subcontinent in the 12th century, the city of Sarnath disappeared altogether and was re-discovered by British archeologists in the 19th century. Located just a few measly kilometers from Varanasi and home to many Buddhist temples, Sarnath is now a major Buddhist pilgrimage in the world.

Major Attractions

Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins
This daunting structure rising around 43m from the ground, marks the spot where Buddha preached his first sermon revealing the eight fold path to nirvana. The brickwork and artistic engravings date back to 2nd and 5th century BC.

Chaukhandi Stupa
Marking the place where Buddha met his first disciples, this 5th century BC Stupa is capped by an octagonal tower in the Mughal architectural style. This tower was added by Akbar in 1589 in the honor of Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
This beautiful structure, embellished with murals and church-like spires, was constructed by Maha Bodhi Society in 1931. Adorned with a huge bell gifted by the Japanese Royals, frescos & murals by the famous Japanese painter Kosetsu Nosu, and a Bodhi Tree planted from the sapling taken from the Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka; this temple is a major attraction in Sarnath.

Archeological Museum
This century old and fully air conditioned sandstone museum houses and displays antiques & artifacts ranging from 3rd century BC to 12th century BC. The lion capital from the Ashoka Pillar that has been adopted as India’s national emblem, and a huge 2000-year-old stone umbrella, ornately carved with Buddhist symbols are some of the highlights of the museum.

Other Attractions

• Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
• Japanese Temple
• Digambar Jain Temple
• Chinese Buddhist Temple
• Sarnath International Nyingma Institute
• Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
• Thai Temple and Monastery
• Dharmarajika Stupa
• Burmese Temple and Monastery

Fairs & Festivals in Sarnath
Budh Poornima- Lord Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.

Shopping in Sarnath
Sarnath is a perfect place to collect Lord Buddha’s images carved in stone.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to explore the ruins and temples of Sarnath would be in winters from October to March.

How to Reach
By Air- Varanasi Airport, around 30kms from Sarnath, is the connected to most of the major cities in India.
By Rail- Sarnath is well-connected to major Indian cities by a network of direct & express trains.
By Road- A good network of well-maintained roads & highways connects Sarnath to major cities in the country.

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