Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.

Sarnath is an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It is considered as one of the four holy Buddhist sites in India, along with Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. Sarnath is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore the rich history and spiritual significance of the place. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the history, significance, and attractions of Sarnath.

History

Sarnath is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his five disciples after attaining enlightenment. The place was a thriving center of learning and culture during the Mauryan Empire. The great Emperor Ashoka, who ruled from 268 BCE to 232 BCE, visited Sarnath in 249 BCE and built several Buddhist stupas and monasteries in the area. He also built a pillar at the site that bears inscriptions about his conversion to Buddhism.

Sarnath continued to flourish as a center of learning and culture during the Gupta period (4th to 6th century CE). During this period, several Buddhist monasteries and temples were built in the area, and Sarnath became a major center for the study of Buddhist philosophy and art.

In the 12th century, Sarnath was destroyed by Turkish invaders, and the site was abandoned for several centuries. The ruins of Sarnath were rediscovered in the 19th century by British archaeologists, and extensive excavations were carried out to uncover the ancient remains of the site.

Significance

Sarnath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. The place is considered sacred because it is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, known as the Dharma Chakra Pravartan. The sermon laid down the basic principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Sarnath is also significant because of the many Buddhist stupas and monasteries that were built at the site during ancient times. The Dhamek Stupa, which was built by Emperor Ashoka, is one of the most prominent stupas at the site. The stupa is over 43 meters tall and is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved stupas in the world. The stupa is built with bricks and stone and is adorned with beautiful carvings and inscriptions.

Attractions

Sarnath has several attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Some of the most popular attractions of Sarnath are:

1. Dhamek Stupa: The Dhamek Stupa is the most prominent and well-preserved stupa at Sarnath. It is over 43 meters tall and is adorned with beautiful carvings and inscriptions.

2. Chaukhandi Stupa: The Chaukhandi Stupa is a beautiful stupa that was built to mark the spot where Lord Buddha met his first disciples after attaining enlightenment.

3. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a beautiful temple that houses a statue of Lord Buddha. The temple is built in the traditional Buddhist style and is adorned with beautiful carvings and paintings.

4. Sarnath Museum: The Sarnath Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of Sarnath. The museum houses several ancient artifacts, including sculptures, inscriptions, and coins.

Conclusion

Sarnath is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a popular tourist destination in India. The place has a rich history and is home to several ancient stupas and monasteries that are a testament to the thriving culture and learning that existed