Sarnath is a sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, India, located north-east of Varanasi, and is revered and adored by all Buddhist devotees of Lord Buddha. Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimages in the world, and it is thought to have been sanctioned by Gautama Buddha himself. The other three most important pilgrimages are Lumbini (the birthplace of Gautama Buddha), Bodh Gaya (the location of Lord Buddha's enlightenment), and Kushinagar (the location of Buddha's parinirvana).
The Deer Park at Sarnath is famed for being the site where Gautama Buddha first taught Dharma. It is also said that Lord Buddha's Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta was written in Sarnath.
History of Sarnath
Around the 5th century B.C., a young prince named Siddhartha Gautama, hailing from Lumbini started a journey of self-discovery. His life had been one of privilege and seclusion, but a chance encounter with illness and death prompted him to seek liberation from human suffering. After years of seeking truth and enlightenment, he sat beneath the sacred Bodhi tree in Buddha Temple Bodhgaya, vowing not to rise until he found answers. It was beneath this tree that he achieved enlightenment, and the world would come to know him as the Buddha.
However, the Buddha's mission didn't begin in Bodhgaya. Before he started spreading his teachings, he sought out five individuals who had left him when he abandoned physical asceticism as the path to liberation. Learning of their residence in the deer park at Sarnath, he made his way there. Impressed by his newfound wisdom and his teachings on the Four Noble Truths, these five individuals became his first disciples, and the seeds of Buddhism were sown in Sarnath.
It was during the reign of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, a few centuries later, that Buddhism truly blossomed in Sarnath. Ashoka, filled with remorse for his brutal conquest of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha), converted to Buddhism and embraced nonviolence. He fervently championed the religion, erecting stupas and pillars across India. The most iconic of these is the one in Sarnath, which bears the Ashoka chakra, symbolizing the essence of Buddhist teachings. This emblem also graces the Indian flag.
Best Way To Visit Sarnath
Reaching Sarnath is a seamless journey with the IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train. This divine voyage takes you on a spiritual quest through the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The journey encompasses the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, the enlightenment site in Bodhgaya, the preaching grounds in Sarnath, and the final resting place in Kushinagar. Additionally, you'll visit Rajgir, Nalanda, Sravasti, and Agra.
The Buddhist Circuit Train offers unmatched comfort, featuring deluxe coaches for accommodation, fully-equipped bathrooms, a dedicated fine dining carriage, a hygienic kitchen, a mini library, a separate sitting area, and foot massagers. Upon boarding, you'll be greeted with garlands and assisted with luggage. To enhance your spiritual experience, you'll receive a Buddhist guidebook and be accompanied by knowledgeable guides throughout your journey.
Discover the Treasures of Sarnath
Sarnath offers a treasure trove of spiritual and historical wonders:
Sarnath Buddha Temple Complex: This site is home to the well-preserved Dhamekh Stupa, marking the spot of the Buddha's first sermon. Explore the remains of ancient monasteries and the Ashoka Pillar all set in a beautifully landscaped park.
Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Delve into the rich history with artifacts dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The museum showcases the impressive top of the Ashoka Pillar.
Modern-Day Temples and Monasteries: Sarnath boasts an array of temples and monasteries representing various Buddhist countries. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, built in 1931, is a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture, adorned with exquisite art.
Sarnath, with its profound spiritual significance and serene ambiance, is a destination where history, culture, and spirituality converge. Regardless of your beliefs, Sarnath's timeless allure is sure to leave a lasting impression, inviting you to contemplate the teachings of the Buddha and find your own path to inner peace. Visit this spiritual haven in the heart of India and embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Book your journey to Sarnath Varanasi Buddha Temple here.
Disclaimer: All information provided on this website is in good faith. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we suggest everyone refer to the official website www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com for updated packages and offers.
Sarnath is revered as the place where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, after attaining enlightenment. It's one of the four most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
The most convenient way to reach Sarnath is by taking the IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train, a guided journey that includes visits to multiple Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal. You can also reach Sarnath by road from Varanasi, which is the nearest major city.
Key attractions in Sarnath include the Sarnath Buddha Temple, Dhamekh Stupa Complex, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and various modern-day temples and monasteries representing different Buddhist countries. The Chaukhandi Stupa is also a site of historical significance.
Yes, you can explore Sarnath independently, but having a guide can greatly enhance your understanding of the historical and spiritual significance of the sites. Many guides are available to provide insights and stories related to the area.