Sarnath Deer Park — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Sarnath, located near Varanasi, holds immense historical, religious, and cultural significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This sacred site, also known as Isipatana, is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world and a center for spiritual contemplation and reflection.

Visitors to Sarnath are greeted by a serene and tranquil atmosphere, conducive to meditation and introspection. The main attraction of Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, a massive structure dating back to the 5th century BCE, which marks the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. The stupa's intricate carvings and architectural grandeur are a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

Adjacent to the Dhamek Stupa lies the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern Buddhist temple constructed by the Mahabodhi Society. The temple houses beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and offers a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and worship.

Another highlight of Sarnath is the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which showcases a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, and relics unearthed from the site. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the ancient history and culture of Sarnath, spanning various periods of Buddhist influence and artistic expression.

Apart from its religious and historical significance, Sarnath also serves as a symbol of cultural exchange and harmony. Over the centuries, the site has attracted pilgrims, scholars, and travelers from different parts of the world, contributing to the exchange of ideas and philosophies that have shaped human civilization.

However, despite its cultural and spiritual significance, Sarnath faces challenges such as conservation efforts, infrastructure development, and tourist management. Efforts are underway to preserve and protect the site for future generations while ensuring that it remains accessible to visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural enrichment.

In conclusion, Sarnath is not just a place of pilgrimage; it's a living testament to the timeless teachings of compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment espoused by Lord Buddha. A visit to Sarnath is an opportunity to connect with the rich tapestry of Buddhist heritage and to experience a profound sense of peace and serenity amidst the chaos of the...

Sarnath is a Buddhist pilgrimage site which is located close to the confluence of the Ganga and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh. There are four popular Buddhist pilgrimages in the world that are assumed to be sanctioned by Gautama Buddha himself of which one of them is Sarnath, the others being Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagara. Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon in the Deer Park, which is now a major attraction for tourists visiting Sarnath. He also followed The Four Noble Truths and preached the Eight-fold path for a happy and content life.

Sarnath is sometimes also referred to as Isipatana. There are some ancient edifices and Buddhist architecture that stood the test of time. The world famous Ashoka pillar at Sarnath is a structure with the Ashoka Chakra that consists of four wheels at four cardinal directions and between them are four distinct animals. Four lions are rested on top of the Ashoka Chakra. The Bodhi Tree is also a crowd puller as it is a part of the actual Bodhi Tree from Bodh Gaya. Then there is the Sarnath museum which is cited by the Archaeological Survey of India as the most antiquated museum. It contains all the Buddhist discoveries and ancient remains of the Sarnath archaeological site. The Chaukhandi Stupa is a terraced temple which marks the spot where Gautama Buddha and his disciples had their first encounter on their way to Sarnath from Bodh Gaya. The Stupa has Buddha’s relics enshrined with an architecture that is an amalgamation of diverse cultures. The Dhamek Stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka to radiate the teachings of Buddha all over the world.

Buddhist art and architecture have flourished and people from across the world flock to Sarnath today to witness the histrionic monuments of the bygone era. Buddhism is a dominant faith in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, China and many others. Timings: Sarnath Temple and Museum open at 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM Entry Fees: 20 INR (online payment) or 25 INR (cash payment) per person for Indian/SAARC/BIMSTEC tourist and 250 INR (online payment) or 300 INR (cash payment) per person for foreign tourist. (Childrens upto 15 years of age allow free entry) Photography: Free of cost Videography: 25 INR per...

Sarnath is one of the four sacred places associated with the life of Lord Buddha. It is the place where Buddha addressed his first sermon to his five erstwhile companions after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

This is a major religious pilgrimage of the followers of Buddhism which was extinct but was revived by archaeologists. It is located about 11 km from Banaras.

This event is known in Buddhist literature as Dharma-Chakra Pravarttam or turning the wheel of law. Very first Buddhist Sangha foundation laid by Lord Buddha at this place. In Buddhist texts this place is recorded as Rishipatna or Issipatna and Mrigadava or Mrigadaya, whereas Sarnath is fretum of Saranganath means Lord of Deers. Still born by the Mahadeva, who is enthroned in a temple nearby, The place is considered equally sacred by the Jains, as it is a place of penance and the death of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara.

The archaeological importance of the site was first highlighted by Mr. Duncan and Cole Mackenzie during 1798 AD. Later many excavations were carried by numbers of Archaeologists. Several monasteries, stupas have been found in these excavations. Temples, inscriptions sculptures, other archaeological remains from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. Notable among them are Chaukhandi Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Dhamekh, Stupa Mulagandha Kuti, an Ashokan pillar and lion capital, Dharma-chakra, Jin-vihara, other monasteries, group of votive stupas and a large number of sculptures.

Archaeological Survey of India has maintained a museum nearby which houses sculptures, inscriptions and other interesting objects recovered from the excavations.

This archaeological site is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage and everyday it's visited by thousands of Buddhist foreigners for offering the prayer in this deer park. When Buddhist devotees execute the rituals with enchanting of the mantra whole environment...