Situated 10 km from Varanasi is the site where Buddha delivered his
first sermon to his five disciples, preaching the middle path for
attaining 'Nirvana'. Realising the sanctity of the site, emperor
Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. built some of the finest monuments
and legacies.
The 34-metre-high 'Dhamek' stupa stands as a remarkable structure.
This contains the remains of Lord Buddha, while the Deer Park in
Sarnath is where the Lord delivered his first sermon. The area is
now graceful and pleasant, breathing the spirit of the enlightened
one, aglow with the devotion of the many followers who inhabited it
through the centuries that followed.
Stupa's
The Stupas
The great Dhamekh stupa and dharmarajika stupas stand testimony to
the great budhhist activity. The most remarkable structure at
Sarnath, is the cylindrical Dhamek stupa, 28 mts. in diameter at the
base and 43.6 mts. in height, built partly of stone and partly of
brick. The stone facing the lower part is adorned with delicate
floral carvings of Gupta origin.
'Choukhandi'
Stupa
Raised by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1555 A.D., it is believed to be
the place where Buddha met his five disciples. The majestic Ashoka
pillar records visit of emperor Ashoka to Sarnath. It was originally
adorned by a capital of four lions, now housed in the Sarnath
museum. The capital became the state emblem of modern India.
Museums
Mulgandha Kuti Vihara
The Tibetan buddhist shrine, Mulgandha Kuti Vihara, built in 1930,
enshrines sacred relics from various places and a lifesize golden
statue of the Buddha. It is decorated with brilliant frescoes by
Japanese artist, Kosetsu Nosu. There are also a few Chinese and Jain
temples A 'Bodhi' tree growing on the campus is believed to be the
offspring of one under which Buddha had attained enlightenment.
Archaeological Museum
On display here, is a magnificent statue of the Buddha turning the
wheel of law, and many other excavations that exhibit the flowering
of the Indian Plastic arts.
Excursions
Jaunpur
This dusty city 65kms northwest of Varanasi, was founded by Feroz
Shah, in 1930. Jaunpur is bisected by River Gomti, into two sectors.
The massive Akbari Bridge is a landmark of the region. Other
attractions include Feroz Shah Fort and Atala Mosque.
Chunar
The northern extreme of the Kaimur hills affords a impressive view
of the invincible sandstone battlements of Chunar, that overlook a
bend in the ganges. Vikramaditya of Ujjain is said to be its
earliest occupant, way back in 56 B.C. chunar sandstone has been
used for the past many centuries, most famously in the making of the
the Ashokan Pillar, which was highly polished for sheen and
longevity.
How to get there?
Air Varanasi (Babatpur) Airport is the
nearest airport. Commercial flights connect Varanasi to Kathmandu,
Delhi, Agra and Mumbai.
Rail
Varanasi railway station is well connected to important cities.
Road
It is located on the National Highway No. 29 that also connects
Varanasi and Gorakhpur.
Local Transport
Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, and Local Buses.
