Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimages near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India
General information about Sarnath Varanasi
Location of Sarnath-Buddha’s First Sermon Site
Just 10 Kilometers away from sacred cultural capital of India Varanasi place of first sermon of Lord Buddha lay in state of Uttar Pradesh.
Sarnath is easily accessible by all means of transport from Varanasi. You can take train, bus, auto-rickshaws or private cabs from Varanasi to Sarnath. You can book private cabs from Varanasi to Sarnath.
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Best time to visit Sarnath is from October to March. It is pleasant weather for outdoor explorations except in extreme winters.
Since Sarnath is in sub-tropical India it experiences mostly summer winter and monsoon. You can visit in any weather except in extreme summers.
Some of the most important tourist places of Sarnath are related to Buddhism . Dhamekh Stupa (Dharmrajika Stupa) , Chaukhandi Stupa , Archaeological Museum, Bodhi Tree , Mulagandh Kuti Vihara , Ashokan 4 Lion Capitol, Deer Park (Rishipattana) is some of the best tourist places in Sarnath. Besides, there are numerous ancient Hindu Temple like Durga Temple , Jain Pilgrimage and many more attractions.
Sarnath is well connected to many ancient pilgrimage and tourist attractions of India. Some of the places to mention as nearby tourist attractions of Sarnath are Varanasi , Bodhgaya , Kushinagar , Allahabad , Sravasti, Kaushambi. These places are well accessible from Sarnath. So, most of them could be visited as Day Tour sites from Sarnath once you are in Sarnath.
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Significance of Sarnath
Most significant aspect of Sarnath is that it is placeof first sermon of Lord Buddha near Varanasi in India.
It is also mentioned as Isipattan (Rhishipattana in Sanskrit) where Rishis (sages) used to land from Himalaya for the pilgrimage to Kashi (the city of illumination, the city of light), and Mrigday in Jatak tales which deals with one of the previous life of Buddha, when He was here as the king of deers.
Sarangnath may also have derived from the word Sarang (deer) Nath (master / king). Buddha spent six rainy seasons here including the very first one, when he formed Buddha Sangha.
Festivals in Sarnath
Festivals in Sarnath Full Moon day of Vaishakha (April-May) celebrated as Buddha's birth and enlightenment. The Full Moon in the month of Asadh (July-August) rejoiced as the anniversary of Buddha's first sermon (Asalha Day). You can also enjoy Hindu Festivals like Holi and Diwali in Sarnath. There are many Jain Festivals celebrated in Sarnath every year.
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Contribution of Asoka the Great for Sarnath
Emperor Ashok constructed three memorial stupa (Mool Gandh Kuti, place where Buddha used to stay in Sarnath; fragrant cottage; Dhammek stupa; the place of first sermon and Chaukhandi stupa ; the meeting place with first five disciples.
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Buddhism in Sarnath-
Sarnath is the first place of sermon of Lord Buddha. It has Sarnath Museum where major archeological findings are placed. Sarnath also houses India’s the emblem Lion Capitol. Place is deeply associated with Buddhism. It sees highest Buddhist pilgrimage on Asalha Day.
Photo Gallery of Tourist Attractions and Nearby Places in Sarnath
Ashoka 4 Lion Capital
Bodhi Tree Sarnath
Chaukhandi Stupa
Deer Park in Sarnath
Dhamekh Stupa
Mulagandha Kuti View More >>
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Ashoka 4 Lion Capital Pillar Sarnath
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Bodhi Tree Sarnath India
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ChauKhandi Stupa
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Deer Park Sarnath
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Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath
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Mulagandha Kuti in Sarnath
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Museum in Sarnath
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Varanasi India
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