Location: Uttar Pradesh
Nearest City: Varanasi
Best Season: October-March
Languages: Hindi and English |
Tourism in
Sarnath
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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Stupa's
'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.
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.
CRADLE OF BUDDHISM
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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Stupa's
'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.
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.
Museums
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.
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.
EXCURSIONS
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.
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.
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.
PLACES TO STAY
Being one of the major toursit circuit
sites, accommodation is not hard to find in
Sarnath. One can even check out some
monasteries, which also provide rooms to
stay. Some accommodation option include:
Tourist Bungalow, Sarnath
Forest Rest House, Sarnath.
Mahabodhi Society Dharamshala, Sarnath.
Jain Dharamshala, Sarnath.
Tourist Bungalow, (UPSTDC), Sarnath.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Restaurants: Anand Restaurant, Rangoli
Garden, Open Restaurant.
Banks: State Bank of India, Canara Bank,
Central Bank.
Tourist Information Centre: UP Government
Tourist Bureau, Sarnath.
Post & Telegraph: Post Office, Sarnath.
Hospitals: Govt. Hospital, Sarnath; Dr.
Baijnath Hospital, Sarnath.
NEARBY CITIES
Varanasi: 10-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Main Festivals: Buddha Purnima (May), Kartik
Purnima (Oct-Nov).
Area: 2.80 sq. km.
Altitude: 80.71 m.
Clothing: Summer: Cottons.
Winter: Woollens.
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