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Buddhist pilgrimage site in India
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Sarnath (सारनाथ Sārnāth) is a holy town in Uttar Pradesh, India, about 13 km north-east of Varanasi. It's famous as the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and also where the original Sangha was formed. Consequently, it is one of the four main Buddhist sites, and since 2026 the Chaukandi Stupa and the Archaelogical Remains of Sarnath are listed as a .
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Only the base remains. The base of the pillar has been enclosed in a glass enclosure. The lion capital, which topped the pillar has been displayed at the nearby site museum.
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 enlightenment.
The ruins of the temple where the Buddha spent his first rainy season.
Dharmarajika Stupa dates back to the time of Ashoka. Sadly it is in complete ruins and only its base remains.
The structure consists of four arms and hence the name. It was constructed in the 4th - 5th century CE, during the Gupta period.The stupa marks the spot where the Buddha met the five ascetics. The stupa finds a mention in the travelogues of the famous Chinese traveller Xuanzang (Husan Tsang) who visited the site around 7 century CE. The stupa is topped with an octagonal turret. This turret is a later addition and dates back to the Mughal period. It was commissioned by Akbar in 1567 to commemorate Humayun’s visit to Sarnath in 1532.
A standing Buddha statue, 24.3 metres (80 feet) in height, inspired by the Bamiyan Buddha is located inside the temple complex.
A very nice complex containing a park with excellent view of Dahmek Stupa, a shrine for Lord Buddha with modern murals, and a bodhi tree with prayer wheels, statue of the Buddha teaching his first 5 disciples, and the Dharmachakra sutta written in various languages. There's also sutta recitation each day 6 am and 6:30 pm
A Temple near Dhamekh Stupa. Accessible by main road that runs along Dhamekh Stupa. Learn about Digambara monasticism, a branch of Jain Dharma.
A small, but impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the site. The sculptures are particularly of interest, including the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the national emblem of India. The museum building dates back to 1910 and has a red sandstone finish, which blends with the surrounding excavated ruins. The museum has 7 galleries out of which two are verandah galleries.
Cheap and spartan, but with great family hospitality. ₹300 per night, possibility of eating breakfast and lunch with the family (and Buddhist guests passing by).
One of 2-3 restaurants in Sarnath. Good food and reasonable prices. Opening hours limited and closed for holidays, weddings, funerals etc.
A government-run establishment: drab and uninspiring, but conveniently located.
This temple is nearby the main areas of visit, around 5-10 mins walk to Dhamekh Stupa. Offers small room or big bunk room, depending on availability. Costs ₹200-300 per bed or room. Clean and simple stay.
A very nice, quiet and well kept complex containing a gompa, a statue of Maitreya Buddha, a dining hall and rooms (for the residing nuns and for visitors). 15 minutes walk from Dahmek Stupa - albeit in narrow alleys.Spotless rooms. There are only 2 rooms with private bathroom, so better to book ahead.
Golden Buddha Marriage Lawn
Probably the best hotel in town. Offers such facilities as Ayurvedic massage, a restaurant serving fresh Indian dishes, a peaceful lawn, and outdoor hot tub. Special rates for backpacking groups. Its walking distance from the main temple. The hotel can arrange a taxi to pick you up from the train station or airport.
By plane
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is 24 km from Sarnath and is the nearest airport.
By train
The nearest major station is Varanasi Junction (6 km), which is connected to most major cities in the country.
By bus
Local bus No107E departs from near Varanasi Cantt train station (coordinates: 25°19.74981'N, 82°59.36062'E), and costs ₹25 (2023) to Sarnath
By taxi/rickshaw
The town is easily reached by taxi or auto rickshaw from Varanasi.
The tourist attractions of Sarnath a spread over a small area and can be very well covered on foot. However, for people who don't want to walk much there are autos. The autos have no fixed fare and routes.
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