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BUDDHIST SITES |
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BUDDHIST DESTINATION |
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| SARNATH |
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| Situated about 10 kms from the holy city of Varanasi, Sarnath is the blessed place, where more than 2500 years ago Lord Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon, after he attained enlightenment. Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his five disciples, who formed the first Sangha. Hence every Buddhist endeavours to be blessed with a visit to Sarnath in his lifetime. A mammoth conical structure, which is 34 meters in height and called Dhamekh Stupa signifies the "seat of the holy Buddha," as he proclaimed his faith. Sarnath also has the ancient ruins of Dharmajajika Stupa and Mulgandhakuti Temple. It is said that Lord Buddha rested and meditated here, while in Sarnath. Monasteries belonging to various countries are situated here. The quiet & serene atmosphere is most soothing and peace giving to every meditator |
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| Sarnath Attractions |
Dhamekha Stupa:
The stupa is the most impressive structure in Sarnath. Built around 500AD the excavations have revealed that some earlier construction was present at the site. The stupa is a place where one can see the devoted Buddhists circumambulating the structure, Ashoka might have built the stupa to earmark the Dharmachakrapravartana to five ascetics.
Chaukhandi:
The first impression of the ancient Buddhism monuments while one enters Sarnath from Varanasi, this Chaukhandi was built to mark the meet of Lord Buddha with his five companions. Todar Mal added an octagonal tower to the structure to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Akbar to the city in 1588.
Asokan Pillar:
This Pillar is the national emblem of India, presents a splendid representation of art during Ashoka's period, and the Asoka Wheel down the base adorns the Tricolor national flag.
The pillar also records the visit of Ashoka to Sarnath. The year of his visit is said to be around mid 3rd century BC. It is interesting to note that at one time, the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath stood over 17 meters in height. Its capital with the four lions back to back that has been adopted as the official emblem of modern India can be seen in the museum at Sarnath. If you are in Sarnath, don't miss this pillar.
The Monasteries:
The Buddhist temple built only in 1931, claims to have Buddha's original relics. Moreover, the temple houses some of the most interesting mural paintings depicting the story of Buddha's life.
The Digambar Jain temple:
Associated to Shreyanshnath, a Jain Tirthankar, this temple famous among the Jain community and good for visualizing some interesting paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Lord Mahavira. |
| How to reach |
For Sarnath, Varanasi is very convenient centre regarding Air, Rail and Road facilities.
Air - The nearest Airport is 22 kms from Varanasi and 29 kms from Sarnath. Varanasi is connected with Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhuvaneshwar and kathmandu with direct flights.
Rail - Varanasi is a major station in Broad gauge network, Varanasi Cantt. and Mughal Sarai (16 km, one of the main railway stations of Varanasi) are the important rail junctions, that link Varanasi with all major cities of India.
Road - Well-laid motorable roads connect Sarnath with Varanasi and other important cities.
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