The world over, India is looked upon as the land where Buddhism originated. Buddhism is a religion, a way of life, which was realized by Lord Buddha around the fifth century B.C. It was in Sarnath, that the Great Teacher (Buddha) delivered his first sermon after his enlightenment. The legend is well known worldwide and a lot of people practice Buddhism. Sarnath is historically a very important place for the travelers and pilgrims all over the world.
The Serene City of Sarnath is about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi.
Best For:
Ashoka Pillar
The Buddhist temples built by the Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Burmese, and Tibetans. monks .
Archaeological Museum
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya and after that he came to Sarnath to preach the teachings of Buddhism. In Sarnath (Deer Park) he delivered his first sermon and it was captured in the spectacular Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan). The Emperor Ashoka spread Buddha's message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire around 304 - 232 BC. Several of these amazing structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD. Today, it represents the most expansive and sacred ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail.
The weather is pleasant during most part of the year. But winter can be very harsh. The best season to visit Sarnath is anytime between September and December. One can also enjoy the monsoon here.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here. Change your money at one of the larger cities before arriving at Sarnath as money changing and banking facilities are limited.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
By Air: Varanasi Airport is 24kms from Sarnath and is the nearest domestic airport. There are domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Khajuraho.
International Flight:
Varanasi Airport is 24kms from Sarnath and is the nearest airport. There are domestic flights from Delhi and Mumbai (Jet Air), and international flights from Kathmandu (Cosmic Air) and Bangkok (Thai Airways).
By Road: Sarnath is easily accessible by road. All the major National Highways are connected to Varanasi. From Varanasi there are lot of buses that operate to Sarnath. You can also take a taxi or an autorickshaw from Varanasi.
By Rail: Nearest major station is Varanasi Cantt. (6kms). This is connected to most major cities in the country. Sarnath has a small train station, but very few trains stop here.
Ashok Pillar: Emperor Ashok was inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha and reflecting thus, he gave up his life of gore and glory. As a tribute to his faith in the preaching and message of Buddhism, he built several structures in and around Sarnath in the 3rd century BC. The pillar is now the National Emblem of India.
Dhamekha Stupa: Constructed by king Ashoka in 249 BCE to commemorate his pilgrimage to the Deer Park. It is believed that the stupa marks the exact spot where the Buddha taught the five ascetics the Four Noble Truths, his first teaching after attaining enlightenmen. The structures here were destroyed by repeated invasions - and by gradual neglect - and what is seen today is the results of repeated reconstruction efforts. This Stupa is believed to be the sacred place where the voice of Buddhism was first heard.
Choukhandi Stupa: This Stupa signifies the reunion of Buddha and his five original disciples who had previously deserted him. This Stupa is capped with a Mughal structure that was built by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his father's visit to the place.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: Comparatively, this is a modern temple built by the Mahabodhi society in 1931. The entrance of the vihara, is dominated by a huge bell, a gift from Japan, and the interior contains a beautiful life-size golden image of the Buddha, and colourful murals and frescoes painted by a Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu. Another attraction here is the famous Bodhi Tree - whose sapling was brought from a tree in Sri Lanka, which in turn originated from the original tree - under which Buddha sat in Bodh Gaya, and gained enlightenment.
Sarnath Museum: This museum is renowned for housing and preserving many Buddhist sculptures and relics. There is a rich collection of Buddhist manuscripts and writings, imperative for Buddhist scholars and researchers.
There are lot of local eateries and joints, restaurants and good luxurious hotels. Since Sarnath is a popular tourist and pilgrimage spot, one can find many comfortable hotels around here.
Many people prefer making Varanasi their base, as there are a lot of accommodation options in Varanasi. For those who are keen on staying in Sarnath, it is possible to get accommodation in one of the modern temples and dharamshalas. One can also find several guest houses in Sarnath.
Sarnath is a must see for a traveler and a pilgrim who believes in the beauty of Buddhism that preached humanity as its first base in the code of conduct towards fellow human beings. It is recommended that one is accompanied by a proper guide, hire a vehicle or get a tourist bus in order to explore the place to the fullest and understand the preachings of one of the most followed religions of the world.
