Sarnath — A religious and Historical Destination in Varanasi

In Varanasi, Sarnath is the destination that is one of the major attractions for the tourists from the country and the foreign. It has the popularity for its historical and religious purposes and the foreigners from China, Japan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal arrive here in large number to worship at Sarnath. It is the religious place where either it is Buddhists or Hindu or Jain; all visit for the vision of this destination. It is hub of Buddhists from all over the world and they visit to view the Stupa of Sarnath and other sacred things that built in memory of Gautam Buddha.

It has its interesting history about Gautam Buddha who comes from Bodhgaya after his enlightenment and gave first sermon to his five pupils. The first sermon is known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta and besides it many of other suttas preached by Gautam Buddha like the Anattalakkhana Sutta, Panca Sutta, Samaya Sutta, Katuviya Sutta, Dhammadinna Sutta and more. It is also the birthplace of Shreyansanath who was the Eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism. There is a temple dedicated to him and becomes the first choice for the Jainism.

In the north-east of Varanasi, Sarnath is situated near the confluence of the Ganges and Gomati rivers and just 10 km from main Varanasi city via Gautam Buddha Rajpath Road and 26 km from Varanasi Airport via NH 56. One can book local and outstation taxi in Varanasi to visit Sarnath and other destination also. There are some major things to visit in Sarnath: -

Buddha Statue in Thai Buddha Vihara: -

In Sarnath, the statue of Gautam Buddha is the major attraction for the tourists. It is built 80 feet high and the highest standing statue of Buddha in Sarnath, Varanasi. This huge beautiful statue is the most charming thing for tourists in Sarnath and becomes the first attraction for tourists here.

Dhamekh Stupa: -

This Stupa is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon to his followers. This beautiful Stupa was built by the king Ashoka in 249 BC and re-built in 5th century. This Stupa that is made of bricks in solid and cylindrical Shape is something changed during the re- building. The Dharma Chakra Stupa is the other name of Dhamekh Stupa and standing here attracting the tourists from all over the world.

Archaeological Museum: -

The Archaeological Museum has the major collections of the historical things and the ancient antique that gives the knowledge to the tourists about the ancient things and used for researches. This Museum contains the ancient things related to Buddhists arts, images of Hindu Gods and many other things that give the amazing knowledge. It is at the walking distance of one km from Buddha Standing Statue and approx. 10 km from Varanasi Cantt from where you can hire a cab for Sarnath.

Ashoka Pillar: -

The Great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was buit it and same like many of the pillars constructed by him when he famed as a great emperor in India. It was 12.25 in height and at the top of the pillars, those have back to back four lions that are called ‘Lion Capital’ and their height was 0.56 miters. Each pillar has an Ashok Chakra at the bottom of the lion capital. While the Turk attacks on India they are broken all the pillars and again it was found in 1904 during the digging. After some times while India got freedom, it is used in the Indian currency. These beautiful pillars attract the mind of the tourists from all over the world.

Sri Digamber Jain Temple: -

This temple is a gorgeous symbol of architecture and becoming the reason of charming for the visitors. It is the most arrival destination of the Jain and from all over the world, the people arrive here in large numbers. Situated near the Dhamekh Stupa, it is the most religious place for the Jainism. Sri Digamber Jain Temple is also known as the Shreyanshnath Temple due to the birth place of this great saint who was the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism community.

Chaukhandi Stupa: -

In the calm and peace environment of Sarnath, this Stupa is the beautiful destination to view the ancient architecture. It was started to building from Gupta period but the prince Govardhan who was the son of king Todarmal gave it the finally shape and for the honor of Humayun, he built an octagonal tower. It is the place where Gautam Buddha met his first disciple while he is coming from Bodh Gaya. Now days, it is well arranged and has a great beauty of nature.