Sarnath is located thirteen kilometers away from Varanasi in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the four most important pilgrim centers for Buddhists, as Gautama Buddha preached the Dharma first in this place only.

 

What to see:

 

Dhamekh Stupa:

Dhamekh Stupa is the most noteworthy structure, which is located within the deer park complex in Sarnath. It was constructed by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 249 B.C. It is a cylindrical shape tower that stands 143 feet high.

 

Chaukhandi Stupa:

Chaukandi Stupa is another remarkable structure at Sarnath. It is a mound of brick and is surrounded by an octagonal shape tower. It is believed that Lord Buddha met his first disciple in this place.

 

Sarnath Museum:

Sarnath Museum has a rich collection of sculptures and artifacts, which comprise the images of Lord Buddha and Bodhisattva. You can see the most famous lion capital, which is the national emblem of India, in this museum. The statue of Buddha sitting cross legged, with eyes downcast in deep meditation is the most beautiful sculpture in this museum. You can also see the striking, life-size image of standing Bodhisattva and a bronze structure portraying Bodhisattva with multiple arms in this museum.

 

Temples:

You can find several Buddhist temples in Sarnath. Most of these temples were built by Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese monks. The modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara features an amazing image of Buddha. You can also see the Buddhist relics that were discovered at Taxila in this temple. The delicate paintings by a Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu adore this temple.

 

 

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