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Places To Visit in Sarnath

Revered for being the exact spot or Rishipattana where Lord Buddha revealed his first eightfold path sermon to disciples, Dhamek Stupa is the main stupa of Sarnath. King Ashoka had passed the orders to renovate the existing pe-Buddhism tumuli in the 3rd century BC which was completed 2,500 years ago. The cylindrical stupa is made entirely out of bricks with a formidable diameter of 28 metres.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

Located near the confluences of Ganga and Varuna Rivers in Varanasi, Sarnath archaeological site is the first place where Buddha began to preach his sermons. The site is built around the main Dhamek Stupa and its verdant gardens. It is also home to the legendary lion capital memorial pillar built by King Ashoka, the current Indian national emblem. Both of these are now maintained by the ASI in Sarnath Museum across the road.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

The Mahabodhi Society Temple at Sarnath is one of the most ancient temples in India, built in the Gupta period entirely out of bricks. It is the proselyte where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. When a Buddhist monk, Dharmapala from Sri Lanka encountered the dilapidated condition of Sarnath, he campaigned to collect global funds from Buddhist countries and revive the temple. Finally, a temple was built next to the archaeological site, which was a replica of the original shrine in the site.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

Chaukhandi Stupa was built in the 5th century to mark the place where Lord Buddha first met his disciples. The place holds immense historical, religious as well as architectural importance today.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

The national emblem of India and a mark of Emperor Ashoka's visit to Sarnath, this 50 m tall pillar crafted out of a stone is an impressive structure.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

A well known attraction in Sarnath, the Thai Temple displays the That style of architecture. The temple is set amongst beautiful gardens and is managed by Thai Buddhist Monks offering calm and peaceful surroundings.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

This Buddhist shrine has been decorated with Thangksa, which are Tibetan Buddhist paintings. The temple features a statue of Shakyamuni, the Buddha. The Prayer Wheels are seen outside the building which on being rotated clockwise, release paper scrolls with prayers written on them.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

Established in the year 1910, the Archaeological Museum displays a small collection of artefacts ranging from the 3rd century BC to 12th century AD.

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Places To Visit in Sarnath

Buddha Purnima is celebrated to mark the birth, enlightenment and salvation of Gautham Buddha. Celebrations are held every year at most Buddhist sites and pilgrims from around the world throng to Sarnath. Since it falls on a full moon night, the festival is called Buddha Purnima in India. Day-long prayers along with free medical camps for the poor are held during this day. In the evening, lamps are lit at the Bodhi Tree, and other significant places. Devotees place the statue of Buddha in a basin filled with water and flowers symbolising the divinity of his teachings. With vegetarian delicacies, hymns and offerings such as candles, flowers and incense; the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima is celebrated with much fervour.