Sarnath Travel Essentials
Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: October to March Read More
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"Sacred Buddhist site where Buddha gave his first sermon"
Sarnath Tourism
A quiet and spiritual town set amidst the otherwise densely populated state of Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is a city of historical marvel with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, excavated ancient sites and beautiful temples that prove to be a source of immense wonder and astonishment to tourists due to their mystical and serene setting. Being just 10 kms from Varanasi, Sarnath is often flocked with devotees is the perfect pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus, alike.
A pilgrimage place for Buddhists, Sarnath features a number of temples and completely serene surroundings with its various historically significant, architectural marvels. Being the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, Sarnath has since been a popular tourist attraction and is well known for its cultural significance as well as the mystical setting. To name a few attractions contributing to the spiritual significance of Sarnath, we have, Ashoka's Pillar, Dharma Stupa built by Emperor Ashoka and many more.
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History of Sarnath
Buddhism, as a philosophy of life and as we know of it today, is followed in many countries with over 400 million followers worldwide - yet, very few know that inside of Sarnath is in fact, the place called the Deer Park where Buddha came to give his first sermon, after receiving enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, at Bodhgaya. Sarnath derives its name from Sarangnath or the Deer God, and hence the place becomes truly special in symbolism. Since then, it has become part of the four key sites in the Buddhist circuit. It is also an important Jain pilgrimage site as it is the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the Eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and there is a temple dedicated to him here. After this, Sarnath went through a series of historical upheavals, right from 3rd Century BC, when Emperor Ashoka took special interest in this place and built magnificent structures like giant stupas, a well engraved Ashokan pillar and Buddhist monasteries for monks to reside in peacefully to approximately 10th to 12th Century BC, when a series of prolonged invasions by foreign invaders annihilated the cities of modern-day Uttar Pradesh, and left Sarnath in crumbles. It was only in the mid 19th Century when Sarnath was preserved again for its historical significance by some British archaeologists and Sarnath regained its position of being one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhism.
The City of Enlightenment
Located close to the confluence of rivers Ganges and Varuna, Sarnath is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. An ancient city, dating back to 528 BC, Sarnath is believed to be the first place where Lord Buddha started preaching and laid the foundation of Buddhism. An example of rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy, Sarnath is also the origin of our national Emblem, sourced from one of the most significant contributions of Emperor Ashoka-the Lion Capital.
Etymology
The name 'Sarnath' is derived from the Sanskrit word "Saranganatha", meaning "Lord of the Dear". The name originated from a Buddhist story in which a Bodhisattva (a being who is on his way to attaining Buddhahood) who was in the form a deer offered his life to a KIng who was about to kill a doe. Moved by this, the King created a sanctuary for deers, which exists even today.
Sarnath is known by other different names such as Mrigadava, Migadaya Rishipattana and Isipattana. While Mrigadava translates into "deer-park", 'Rishipattana' and 'Isipattana' mean the abode of holy mean, in the Pali Canon. (Isi and Rishi mean sage in Pali and Sanskrit, respectively).
Sarnath is known by other different names such as Mrigadava, Migadaya Rishipattana and Isipattana. While Mrigadava translates into "deer-park", 'Rishipattana' and 'Isipattana' mean the abode of holy mean, in the Pali Canon. (Isi and Rishi mean sage in Pali and Sanskrit, respectively).
Ancient buildings and structures
While most of the buildings at Sarnath were destroyed by the Turks who invaded the country, there are still some that stand and exhibit the beauty and charm of the periods before us.
1. The Dhamek Stupa: An astounding structure which is 128 feet high and 93 feet in diameter, the Dhamek Stupa can be traced back to its Sanskrit origins when it was called Dharmarajika Stupa, meaning The Stupa of Reign or The Stupa of Dharma. This stupa was built in 500 CE and is said to mark the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment.
2. The Chaukhandi Stupa: A high earthen mound with a brickwork edifice as a covering and an octagonal tower, the Chaukhandi Stupa is presently under the supervision of the Archeological Survey of India. It was originally built as a terraced temple under the Gupta period between the 4th and 6th centuries to mark the area where Lord Buddha met his first disciples on his way from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. Later, a king by name, Govardhan is believed to have modified the structure to its present-day shape to commemorate the visit of King Humayan of the Mughal Empire.
3. The Sarnath Archeological Museum: The museum homes the famous Ashokan Lion Capital, which is the National emblem of India. The museum also has the refined Buddha image in the Dharmachakra posture.
There is also a famous Bodhi tree which was planted by Anagarika Dharmapala, a Buddhist revivalist which was cut from the Bodhi Tree and Bodh Gaya and grown in Sarnath. Other sites of interest are the Ashoka Pillar, the Mulagandhakuti Vihara and the Dharmarajika Stupa.
1. The Dhamek Stupa: An astounding structure which is 128 feet high and 93 feet in diameter, the Dhamek Stupa can be traced back to its Sanskrit origins when it was called Dharmarajika Stupa, meaning The Stupa of Reign or The Stupa of Dharma. This stupa was built in 500 CE and is said to mark the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment.
2. The Chaukhandi Stupa: A high earthen mound with a brickwork edifice as a covering and an octagonal tower, the Chaukhandi Stupa is presently under the supervision of the Archeological Survey of India. It was originally built as a terraced temple under the Gupta period between the 4th and 6th centuries to mark the area where Lord Buddha met his first disciples on his way from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. Later, a king by name, Govardhan is believed to have modified the structure to its present-day shape to commemorate the visit of King Humayan of the Mughal Empire.
3. The Sarnath Archeological Museum: The museum homes the famous Ashokan Lion Capital, which is the National emblem of India. The museum also has the refined Buddha image in the Dharmachakra posture.
There is also a famous Bodhi tree which was planted by Anagarika Dharmapala, a Buddhist revivalist which was cut from the Bodhi Tree and Bodh Gaya and grown in Sarnath. Other sites of interest are the Ashoka Pillar, the Mulagandhakuti Vihara and the Dharmarajika Stupa.
Restaurants and Local Food in Sarnath
Sarnath does not have too many restaurants but the handful that it does offer delicious food. The food is mainly North- Indian, with some of its most popular delicacies. One can also enjoy typical and popular bits of Chinese cuisine in the area. Along with these one can also find some instances of Tibetan cuisine here such as Momos. There are also some joints serving traditional snacks.
View Top Restaurants in Sarnath
View Top Restaurants in Sarnath
Suggested Itinerary for Sarnath
Day 1: Start off your tour with a visit to the Buddhist temples like the Thai temple, Dhamekh Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Museum.
NOTE: It is best to stay at Varanasi and spend a full day at Sarnath.
NOTE: It is best to stay at Varanasi and spend a full day at Sarnath.
Best Time to Visit Sarnath
Nearby Places
How to Reach Sarnath
How to Reach Overview
The Varanasi airport (24 km) is the nearest to Sarnath. The main railway station is also at Varanasi as only a few trains halt at the Sarnath railway station. Government owned, as well as private buses, are available to reach here.
How to reach Sarnath by flight
The nearest airport is around 25 km away in Varanasi. The airport is well connected to major cities of the country via regular flights. One can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Sarnath directly.
How to reach Sarnath by road
Sarnath is well connected to nearby cities in the state via an excellent network of roads. Regular state-run buses move to and from Varanasi. One can also opt for a cab from Varanasi. Hiring an autorickshaw from Varanasi to Sarnath can also be considered.
How to reach Sarnath by train
Sarnath has a busy railway station which is connected to major cities in the country via regular trains. However, not many trains halt at Sarnath station, so it is best to travel to Varanasi Junction and then hire a taxi or an autorickshaw up to Sarnath.
Local transport in Sarnath
Local buses are the most convenient way of travel within the city. Autorickshaws are not available in Sarnath. It is also preffered by many tourists to explore this small area on foot.
Sarnath Photos
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FAQs on Sarnath
What is the best time to visit Sarnath?
October to March are the best months to visit Sarnath. It is best to avoid visiting the place from April to October as the area experiences scorching heat and it becomes difficult to sightsee. One may also want to consider the various festivals celebrated here which fill the area with the colours and chants of spirituality while marking out dates. Some of these are Buddha Poornima (May), and Maha Shivaratri (February- March)
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What are the places near Sarnath?
The top places near to Sarnath are Varanasi which is 8 km from Sarnath, Vindhyachal which is located 57 km from Sarnath, Allahabad which is located 118 km from Sarnath, Agra which is located 538 km from Sarnath, Khajuraho which is located 318 km from Sarnath
What are the things to do in Sarnath?
The top things to do in Sarnath are Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath, Thai Temple, Tibetan Temple, Sarnath, Archaeological Museum, Sarnath, Buddha Purnima in Sarnath. You can see all the places to visit in Sarnath here
What are the top hotels in Sarnath?
There are 388 in Sarnath which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Sarnath are RK homestays, Nawab ki Deohri, The Pathwalkers' Habitat, Paradise Residency, The White Yard - Deluxe Rooms, Hotel Radiance Courtyard. You can see all the hotels in Sarnath here
What is the best way to reach Sarnath?
The Varanasi airport (24 km) is the nearest to Sarnath. The main railway station is also at Varanasi as only a few trains halt at the Sarnath railway station. Government owned, as well as private buses, are available to reach here.
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What is the local food in Sarnath?
Sarnath does not have too many restaurants but the handful that it does offer delicious food. The food is mainly North- Indian, with some of its most popular delicacies. One can also enjoy typical and popular bits of Chinese cuisine in the area. Along with these one can also find some instances of Tibetan cuisine here such as Momos. There are also some joints serving traditional snacks.
Read More
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Who should visit Sarnath?
Sarnath is one of the major Buddhist pilgrim centres in the world. Apart from pilgrims, Sarnath is a major attraction for historians, architects and linguists.