Sarnath - the place of spiritual renaissance is alive to depict the past

Have you ever explored the natural splendour of historical architectures which are wrapped in spirituality, so lively and depicting the story of our cultural heritage that is the base of our ideology.  Sarnath is such a place where you will be astounded to see the momentous cultural traditions and spiritual renaissance together. Exploring Sarnath can only be compared with the mirror reflection of our rich ancient times and you don’t have to find anything but to find yourself. Because you will surely be lost in the venerable world of Buddha’s philosophy and Emperor Ashoka’s devoted love and respect for Buddhist religion and culture.
There are many noteworthy places which are famous worldwide for their historical and cultural values interrelated with flourishing of Buddhism. 

Dhamek Stupa

Dhamek Stupa is well-known as the esteemed Rishipattana where Gautama first preached his sermons for the very first time to his five disciples. This is the most significant place where Buddha revealed his eightfold path oration to explain the reasons of unhappiness in human life. Dhamek Stupa is the main stupa of Sarnath. King Ashoka had passed the orders to restore the existing Pre-Buddhism tumuli which was completed 2,500 years ago. 

Also reada: Dwarka – the sacred land of Lord Krishna is magnetic with its unexplored mystery

Sarnath Archaeological site 

Sarnath archaeological site is the place where history is breathing and this is regarded as the oldest archeological museum. This site is built around the main Dhamek Stupa and its lush gardens. This is the most revered place as Buddha Started to discourse his sermons from here and the religion Buddhism started attracting natives. Emperor Ashok took the initiative to build the legendary lion capital memorial pillar which h is the Indian national emblem. Both of these are now maintained by the ASI in Sarnath Museum.

The Mahabodhi Society Temple

The Mahabodhi Society Temple at Sarnath is famously known as Mulakoti Gandha Vihar. This is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. This is one of the oldest temples in India built during the Gupta period. Over the period of time the temple’s structural condition deteriorated and Later on with the help of International Buddhist societies worldwide a temple was built next to the archaeological site, which was a replica of the original shrine in the site.

Chaukhandi Stupa

Chaukhandi Stupa is another significant place in Sarnath. This was built in the 5th century to mark the place where Lord Buddha first met his disciples. This place is most famously known as Seeta ki Rasoi in the local community since very old days. After attaining the ultimate wisdom Gautama met his first five followers’ right here. The place holds immense historical, religious as well as architectural importance today.

Sarnath is the most sacred place that has the quintessence of Buddhism as Lord Buddha reached here to spread his profound wisdom that he achieved after so many years of devotion and hardships, first to his disciples and then to the whole world. Gautama explained that the path of enlightenment had never been easy but there should be unquestionable devotion to be on that path. He also suggested that Sarnath, Lumbini, Bodhgaya and Kushinagar are the places that Buddhists must visit.