Located approx.10 kms from Varanasi main city is the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon “Maha Dharma-Ckara Pravatan” (in Buddhist terminology, turned the wheel of law) after his enlightenment.
Located approx.10 kms from Varanasi main city is the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon “Maha Dharma-Ckara Pravatan” (in Buddhist terminology, turned the wheel of law) after his enlightenment.
Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist anrtiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D. Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika stupa and near it erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificient capital of four adorsed lions, which today form the national emblem of India.
Among other structure at Sarnath are the ruins of brick temple representing the Muloa-gandha kuti, ruins of stupas and monastries. Among the more imposing ones is the Dhamekh Stupa, adorned with delicate floral carvings in the lower part, the Chakhandi Stupa and Mahabodhi Society at Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple. Sarnath has also yielded an extremely rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images which can be seen at Archaeological Museum.
Sarnath museum houses sculptures of Buddhist and non Buddhist period. The 3rd cent BC lion capital is adopted as national emblem of India, 1st cent AD Bodhi Satwa image from Mathura and the 5th cent AD preaching postures Budha are the marvels of Indian sculptures. The place has a Jain temple dedicated to its Tirthankar Shrais Nath. The Maha Bodhi Society temple with the scenes from the life of Buddha painted on the walls, also preserved the holy relics of the Lord. Nearby is the tree, a branch of the Bodhi tree from the original located at Bodh Gaya under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
Sarnagnath (brother in law of Lord Shiva) temple is very closely situated. During the month of Shravana (July/August) the temple is visited by thousands, although it is opened throughout the year.
Courtesy - Vibrantvaranasi.com