Sarnath: The Sacred Land of the Buddha

Buddha and his Disciples

On our third day in Kashi, we left behind the vibrant ghats of Kashi for a few hours, towards the serene environs of Sarnath, where Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Lord Buddha, gave his first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. This pivotal event marked the beginning of the Buddhist faith.

Sarnath is considered one of the four most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and since it is hardly 10-12 kilometres from Kashi, we felt we must pay a visit.

We started from Kashi at around 11.00 am and reached Sarnath after a short twenty-minute ride in an E-rickshaw. As we rode from Kashi to Sarnath, it was interesting to witness the transition from the jam-packed streets of Kashi to the quiet roads of Sarnath. It almost felt like we were transitioning from divine chaos to sacred serenity. 

Places to Visit

As all the monuments in Sarnath are within walking distance, we decided to tour the city on foot.

1. Deer Park – Where Buddha Gave His First Sermon  

We first visited a deer park, which houses a temple and a tree where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples. To honour this sacred space, statues of the Buddha and his first five disciples have been installed under the very tree where the Buddha had preached more than 2,500 years ago.

The temple situated next to the sermon site is beautiful. Paintings depicting the life and teachings of the Buddha adorned its inner walls, and a golden statue of the Buddha graced the hall.

2. Sarnath or Dhamek Stupa

This stupa comes under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ASI has therefore set up a counter from where we purchased the entry tickets to this stupa.

This 141-foot-tall cylindrical stupa was built in 50 CE to replace an earlier structure commissioned by the illustrious Mauryan king, Ashoka. We stood in front of this monument, observing the majestic structure with intricate floral carvings of Gupta origin and Brahmi inscriptions.

The stupa is surrounded by a lush green garden where we can see the ruins of several ancient monuments built to commemorate the Buddha’s activities.

 3. Ashoka Pillar – India’s National Emblem:

Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath

Credit: https://varanasismartcity.gov.in/

During the reign of Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, Sarnath was a thriving centre for Buddhist teachings. Ashoka, who was a Buddhist ruler, erected a grand stupa in Sarnath as a symbol of his devotion to Buddhism. The four-lion-headed Ashoka pillar is now the emblem of modern India.

The remains of the Ashoka pillar are also a part of this stupa’s vicinity. The upper portion of the Ashoka Chakra has been placed in the museum across the road.

Before heading toward the next site, we spent some time strolling through the lush greenery surrounding the monument and sitting on the quaint benches shaded by ancient trees.

4. Japanese Temple

Our next visit was to the Japanese temple, which is a few meters from the Dhamek stupa. The temple vicinity has a well-maintained garden and a standing statue of the Buddha, the tallest in the area.

 5. Sarnath Museum

·         This museum has a variety of valuable artifacts.

·         The Ashok Chakra is placed near the main entrance. The museum displays antiquities from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD.

·         Camera and mobile phones should be placed in lockers at the entrance gate before entering the museum.

 6. Chaukhandi Stupa

 Our final destination was the Chaukhandi stupa, built around the 6th century AD to mark the spot where Buddha first met his first five disciples.

7. Saree Factory

Kashi, also known as Banaras, is well-known for its famous Banarasi sarees. The main production of Banarasi silk sarees is concentrated in Sarnath. 

Several saree manufacturers and shops are located in and around Sarnath. We entered one of these factories, where we were shown how Banarasi sarees are woven. It was quite an experience to watch the weavers create magic out of ordinary looms!

A Few Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience:

1. Places to Visit: Ashoka Pillar, Deer Park, Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Saree Factories

2. How to get there: Tuk-Tuks, E-rickshaws, taxis. Depending on the mode of transport, a one-way ride from Kashi to Sarnath may cost between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000. A little bit of bargaining may be required to arrive at a fair price.

3. What to Wear: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

4. Shopping: Sarnath is brimming with roadside souvenir shops where we purchased bracelets, books, and almost everything that took our fancy. However, one must bargain hard to ensure that these souvenirs are purchased at reasonable rates.

5. Food: Vaishali restaurant, Green Hut, and Rangoli are some popular food outlets. These restaurants mostly serve less spicy vegetarian food.

Final Thoughts:

While Kashi is a place where devotees feel intense love and devotion for Shiva, Sarnath is a place where Buddha’s wisdom gently touches your soul. The two places differ in intensity, but their divine essence remains the same.

“Still, silent and full of wisdom,

Sarnath was a complete contrast to the intensity of Kashi.

If Kashi is about surrender, Sarnath is about awakening.” 

~ Rohan Sawant

So, if you ever visit Kashi, don’t forget to add Sarnath to your travel itinerary!

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