 Sarnath
the tranquil deep park at Sarnath is where the Buddha preached hid
first sermon. Sarnath became one of the great center of Buddhism
and the Emperor Ashoka erected magnificent stupas and structure
here. The Chinese scholar Huien Tsang who to write of the splendor
of the city. Rediscovered and excavated in 1836, Sarnath is once
again a place of pilgrimage where visitors come to pay homage to
the great teacher.
How to get there:
Air : Varanasi (Babatpur) Airport is
the nearest airport.
Rail : Varanasi railway station is
well connected to important cities.
Road : It is located on the National
Highway No. 29 that also connects Varanasi and Gorakhpur.
Places of Interest :
Dhamek Stupa
The imposing stupa 39m high was probably erected in 200 B.C in
the Mauryan era. Rebuilt a number of times, the geometric and
flora patterns on the stupa belong to the later Gupta period.
Ashoka Pillar
Erected by the Emperor Ashoka, the pillar had his edict engraved
on it. At one time it stood over 17m high. Its capital with the
four lions back to back-the official symbol of modern India, can
be seen in the museum at Sarnath.
Bodhi Tree
Grown from the sapling of the famous tree in Anuradhapura, Sri
Lanka, which is believed to be a progeny of the original tree
at Budh Gaya, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Chaukandi Stupa
This stupa was rebuilt by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Dhamarajika Stupa
Only the ruins of this stupa built by Emperor Ashoka can be seen
today.
Moolgandha Kuti Vihara
Built in more recent times by the Mahabodhi Society, it has a
life-size statue of the lord Buddha in the Dharmachakra Pravartan
form.
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