Pilgrimage to Sarnath, Varanasi
The Deer Park at Sarnath, seat of Buddha’s first teachings
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
Significance to Buddhist
Sarnath is considered a sacred place to the Buddhists for being the place where Gautama Buddha first taught seven weeks after achieving enlightenment in the 6th century BC. This first teaching is known in Sanskrit as Dharmacakrapravartana Sutra, Turning the Wheel of Dharma Sutra. The main topic is the Four Noble Truth, the Eight-Fold Path and teachings associated with it.
After Buddha gave his sermon at the Deer park in Sarnath, his five former companions of his earlier ascetic days were liberated upon hearing the teachings and as a result, they became arhats. That was to be the beginning of the Sangha, the community of the enlightened ones.
Buddha giving sermon to his five former companions at Deer Park, Sarnath
It was said that the Buddha mentioned Sarnath as one of the four places of pilgrimage to which his future disciples should visit, if they so wish to commemorate the Buddha’s life and teachings.
It was here at Sarnath that the Buddha subsequently spent his first rainy retreat at the site of the Mulagandhakuti monastery. The Sangha community had grown quite considerably by then and Buddha sent them out in all directions to travel and teach the Dharma. They have all achieved nirvana or are liberated from samsara and are thus called Arhats.
Sarnath is also significant for the journey the Buddha took that resulted in the abolishing of ferry tolls for all ascetics by King Bimbisāra. This came about after King Bimbisāra heard that Buddha flew across the river when he could not pay the ferryman as he didn’t have any money with him.
Other incidents that made Sarnath important are:
- Yasa approached the Buddha at dawn one day in Sarnath and became the sixth arhat; he and his companions later joined the Buddha and his sangha thereby increasing the sangha number to 60.
- The rule prohibiting the use of sandals made of talipot leaves was established here;
- It was here too, that the Buddha, staying at Isipatana or Sarnath after arriving from Rājagaha, instituted rules forbidding the consumption of certain kinds of flesh, including human flesh;
- Twice here, Māra came to disturb the Buddha but had to go away discomfited.
Golden Buddha statue on top of the casket with Buddha’s bones
A Sri Lankan monk, Anagarika Dharmapala, built a temple, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara to house some of the bones of the Buddha which he collected and kept in a casket. On top of this casket is a beautiful image of the Buddha, made in stone, but covered with gold.
Today Sarnath is one of the four key sites on the Buddhist circuit (along with Bodhgaya, Kushinagar and Lumbini in Nepal and attracts followers from around the world, especially on Purnima or more commonly known as Wesak Purnima, when Buddha’s life, death and enlightenment are celebrated in one day, usually in the month of April or May.
Brief History
Sarnath in its history has been known by a number of names for example – Mrigadava, Migadaya, Rishipattana and Isipatana. In essence it conveys the same idea and Mrigadava translated literally means “deer-park”.
Isipatana is a name mentioned in Buddhist scriptures and carries the general meaning that it is a ‘place where holy men has landed’. The Pali word isi and its Sanskrit equivalent, rishi means ‘holy man’. This came about due to the story that it was given the name because sages flew through the air from the Himalayas and alight here or start from here on their aerial flight. Sages who are solitary realizers are said to spend seven days in contemplation in the Gandhamādana, bathe in the Anotatta Lake and come to the habitations of men through the air, in search of alms. They descend to earth at Isipatana. Sometimes these holy men with special powers and attainments would come to Isipatana from Nandamūlaka-pabbhāra.
It is also a legend that when Siddharta was about to be born, some devas came down to earth to proclaim this auspicious event to 500 rishis. The rishis all descended concurrently into the skies and disappeared but their relics fell to the ground.
Sarnath is derived from the Sanskrit term Sāranganātha, which means “Lord of the Deer”, and this relates to an old Buddhist Jataka story in which the Buddha took rebirth as a Bodhisattva deer and offers his life to the King of Benares in the place of a doe the latter is planning to kill. The king is so moved that he creates the park as a sanctuary for deers. This ancient park is active till this day.
The kings and wealthy merchants of ancient Sarnath and nearby Varanasi supported Buddhism and thus making it flourish here. Sarnath became an important centre for the arts by the 3rd century, Emperor Ashoka erected magnificent stupas and monasteries here, as well as an engraved pillar. The development of the place reached its zenith during the Gupta period (4th-6th century CE). When Xuanzang from China traveled to Sarnath in the 7th century, he found a 100m-high stupa, 30 monasteries and 3000 monks living in the area.
Sarnath during that period was a hive of activity for the Nikaya schools, also known as the Hinayana school of Buddhism. In particular it was a prominent location for Summatiya Buddhist teachings. Sarnath is also a place where there are strong traces of tantric practices seen from the presence of images of Heruka and Tara.
By the turn of the 12th century, Sarnath unfortunately became a site that lay in ruins after it was sacked and plundered by Turkish Muslims. The site was subsequently plundered for building materials and has remained in ruins until the present day. The site was entirely deserted until 1836, when the British archaeologists began excavations and restoration works.
Main Sacred Places
- The Dhamekh Stupa currently stands at a height of 43.6 m with a diameter of 28 m. It is housed within the Deer Park itself and was originally known as Dharma Chakra Stupa. The Dhamek Stupa was built on the very spot where the Buddha gave the first teaching to his five disciples after attaining enlightenment on the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Paths. According to historians, Great Indian Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty (268 – 232 BCE) embarked on a building spree, erecting several stupas that enshrined relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples across India in his pursuit to spread Buddhism. In 249 BCE, he commissioned the construction of Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath was later re-constructed in 500 CE along with other structures around Sarnath.
The Dhamekh Stupa, one of the structures commissioned by King Ashoka
- The Dharmarajika Stupa was another major stupa built by King Ashoka but only the foundations remains. The rest of the Dharmarajika Stupa was removed to Varanasi to be used as building materials in the 18h century. At that time, the Buddha’s relics were found in the Dharmarajika Stupa. Unfortunately, these relics were subsequently thrown in the Ganges river.
- The Chaukhandi Stupa, dating back to the fifth century or earlier, commemorates the spot where the Buddha reunited with the five companions who had previously left him at Bodhgaya that later became his first disciples. Thought originally to have been built as a terraced temple, and in later years Govardhan, the son of a Raja, modified the stupa to its present shape by building the octagonal tower to commemorate the visit of Humayun, the powerful Mughal ruler. In recent years, it is undergoing restoration.
The Chaukhandi Stupa commemorates the spot where the Buddha met his first disciples
- Mulagandhakuti vihara’s ruins mark the place where the Buddha spent his first rainy season. The Mulagandhakuti Vihara of today was built as a monastery during the 1930s by the Sri Lankan Mahabodhi Society, which bestowed upon the building beautiful murals and wall paintings. Behind it is the Deer Park (where deer are still to be seen). This temple houses the casket of the bones of the Buddha in it with a Golden Buddha statue on top.
Mulagandhakuti vihara, houses the casket of the bones of the Buddha with a Golden Buddha statue on top
- The Ashoka Pillar erected here, originally surmounted by the “Lion Capital of Asoka” (presently on display at the Sarnath Museum), was broken during Turk invasions but the base still stands at the original location. Here, Anagarika Dharmapala once planted a cutting from the Bodhgaya bodhi tree which has since grown into a glorious tree that remains until this day.
The Ashoka Pillar erected by King Ashoka. It was originally surmounted by the “Lion Capital of Asoka” which is now in the Sarnath Museum
Lion Capital (Ashokan Lion) in the Sarnath Archaeological Museum
- The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses the famous Ashokan Lion Capital after it fell from the the top of the Ashokan Pillar but miraculously remained undamaged. There it sits amongst many other important pieces from the Gupta era, such as the famous Buddha in Dharmacakra pose. Today the Ashokan Lion is India national emblem and symbol.The famous Ashokan Lion Capital is also here, housed within the Sarnath Archaelogical Museum after it fell from the the top of the Ashokan Pillar but miraculously remained undamaged. There it sits amongst many other important pieces from the Gupta era, such as the famous Buddha in Dharmacakra pose. Today the Ashokan Lion is India national emblem and symbol.
The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses the famous Ashokan Lion Capital and a very refined image of Buddha in Dharmachakra-posture
Other Sacred Places
- Jain Temple
Jainism originated evolved in India under the aegis of 24th Tirthankara Mahaveera, who lived in the 6th century BCE and gained enlightenment after 13 years of deprivation. Jainism is quite similar to Hinduism and Buddhism and pursues the cause of nonviolence and peace. Jainism flourished in India mostly in Uttar Pradesh, parts of Orissa and parts of Rajasthan. Jain Temple Sarnath is one of the most well revered and holy places in Sarnath. - Burmese Temple
Schwedagon Pagoda established in 1910, the Burmese Buddhist temple follows the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The unique architecture style of this Buddhist centre draws the attention of a large number of pilgrims who visit Sarnath. This temple is located on the west side of the Sarnath Deer Park and relics of previous Buddhas and the 8 strands of the Buddha’s hair was given to his two Burmese disciples are in the shrine, a golden slab was laid on the chamber and a golden stupa built over it. And in addition, on top of this holy structure was laid a silver stupa, a tin stupa, a copper stupa, a lead stupa, a marble stupa and finally an iron-brick stupa. - Chinese Temple
The Chinese Temple is near at around 5-10 mins walk to Dhamekh Stupa. - Korean Temple Nokyawon
The temple is located at Khajuhi and of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. - Wat Thai Sarnath Temple
Located at Rishpattan Road near Sarnath Museum, this is a great place for meditation. The temple is well built and hosts a golden statue of Lord Buddha. On its grounds is the giant Buddha, the tallest standing Buddha in India. This statue took 14 years to complete. It was conceived after Taliban authorities in Afghanistan destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhist statues. Surrounded by lush green park, it’s a good tourist location as well. The temple opens from sunrise to sunset. Please leave your footwear outside the temple. - Tibetan temple
The Temple which was built in typical Tibetan design houses a state of the Buddha Shakyamuni and scattered around are magnificent fresco paintings and Tibetan thangkas. - Japanese temple
Located next to Vishwa Shasti Stupa, the original name of the Japanese temple is Nichigai Suzan Horinji Temple. The air of calmness inside the temple is to be experienced to be believed. The interior of the temple is serenely beautiful. There’s a huge wooden statue of the Buddha with an elaborate design on its head there in the reclining pose. - The new Vidyadhara Tibetan Institute located to the rear of Deer Park is particularly attractive.
Jain Temple, Sarnath
Migadawun Myanmar Temple in Sarnath near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Chinese Temple, Sarnath
Korean Temple, Sarnath
Wat Thai Sarnath
Giant standing Buddha on the grounds of Wat Thai Sarnath
Tibetan Temple, Sarnath
Nichigai Suzan Horinji Temple, Isipathana Deer Park, Sarnath
Other places- Sarnath
The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
This is newest attraction for tourists and pilgrims to Sarnath uses exhibits and sculptures to convey the essence of Buddhism and Indian spirituality. This garden is designed to inspire visitors to delve deeper into spirituality. Ayurveda, which teaches harmony with nature, simplicity and contentment as keys to well-being, is propounded here as there is a section for herbal plants. It is the five-thousand-year-old Indian traditional natural healing system and is a part of its yogic system. This garden offers a glimpse into the world of Ayurveda.
The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom
Other Festivals- Sarnath
- Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival, celebrated in January with great rejoice.
- Holi, the festival of colours is celebrated in the month of February with smearing colour on each other faces and savouring traditional sweets.
- Chhath Puja is when devotees of Hinduism worship the Sun in March and November during this festival.
- Buddha Purnima is celebrated in the month of April-May, to commemorate the birth of Lord Buddha. A large fair is organised with prayers, lectures, recitation of Buddhist scriptures and other religious activities performed during the festival.
- Dussehra is celebrated in the month of October-November to signify the victory of good over evil where Lord Rama triumph over the demon Ravana.
- Diwali, the festival of lights that is celebrated in November.
Location
Sarnath lies approximately 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near where the Ganges meets the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The town is serene and green, and is a good alternative to those wishing to visit Varanasi but not be immersed in it all day long.
Best Times to Visit
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- During the summer months of April to June, the temperatures can vary tremendously with the high of 45-degrees Celsius.
- Monsoon season starts by the end of June and the beginning of July. The rainy season is wet and humid.
- Winters are considered pleasant in Varanasi. There are fog in the morning with temperatures of around 20-degrees Celsius during the day time.
- Pilgrims flood Varanasi and Sarnath all year round.
Transport
By Air
The Babatpur airport, 25 kilometers away, is a domestic airport and well connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kathmandu and other major cities of India. Varanasi Airport (IATA: VNS) is 24 km from Sarnath and is the nearest airport.
By Rail
The Varanasi railway station is well linked with other important Indian cities directly. The nearest major station is Varanasi Junction. (6 km), which is connected to most major cities in the country. Sarnath does have a small train station with local trains from Varanasi providing service every 2-3 hours. However do note that for most train services, the final stop is in Varanasi City and not Varanasi Junction. A number of express trains also service the route.
By Road
Varanasi is located on the National Highway number 2, which links Kolkata to Delhi via Allahabad. Long haul buses usually arrive at the station across from the Varanasi Cantt train station, and from there one can choose commute using local buses, taxis or rickshaws to Sarnath.
If you are a foreigner and arriving in Varanasi by train, be aware that taxi drivers will vigorously bid for your fare. You can also opt for an auto-rickshaws which will be cheaper but if you have tons of luggage then a taxi is your only choice. The route, though still offering some rural scenes is very busy and noisy and built up.
Accommodation
- Jain Paying Guest House. Cheap and spartan, but with great family hospitality. ₹300 per night, possibility of eating breakfast and lunch with the family (and Buddhist guests passing by).
- Mahabodi Dharmshala Temple, Thai Temple and the Burmese Temple. All of these temples offer very cheap but spartan accommodation.
- Chinese Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi 221007, U.P., India. This temple is nearby the main areas of visit, around 5-10 mins walk to Dhamekh Stupa. Offers small room or big bunk room, depending on availability. Costs 200 Rupee per bed or room. Clean and simple stay.
- UPSTDC Rahi Tourist Bungalow, Sarnath Station Road, Ashok Road crossroad, Baraipur (near Maha Bodhi Inter College). Operated by the government is rather common and tired but conveniently located.
- Chinese Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi 221007, U.P., India. This temple is near popular tourist draws and is around 5-10 mins walk to the Dhamekh Stupa. The temple offers small rooms or alternatively larger bunk room which are simple but clean. Costs 200/300 Rupee per bed or room.
- The Golden Buddha Hotel (Golden Buddha Marriage Lawn), Sarangnath Colony. Touted as the best hotel in town. Besides an Indian restaurant, the hotel provides other services such as UPSTDC Rahi Tourist Bungalow, Sarnath Station Rd, Ashok Rd crossroad, Baraipur (near Maha Bodhi Inter College). A government run establishment – drab and uninspiring, but conveniently located.
Food and Beverage
- Vaishali Restaurant – casual dining,
S A14/48, Maha Bodhi School, Sarnath Road, Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: North Indian, South Indian
Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM (Mon-Sun) - Holiday Inn Restaurant – casual dining
Opposite Buddhist Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: Chinese, North Indian, Fast Food
Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM (Mon-Sun) - Shree Basant Bahar – casual dining
Beside Tulsi Niketan School, Hukulganj Road, Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: North Indian, Chinese, South Indian, Fast Food
Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM (Mon-Sun) - Highway Inn Restaurant – casual dining
Ashokpur, Near Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: Chinese, South Indian, North Indian
Hours: 10 AM to 9:30 PM (Mon-Sun) - Tunday Kebab – quick bites
S.N 15/151 Ashapur, Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: Awadhi, Lucknowi, Chinese
Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM (Mon-Sun) - Green Hut Restaurant – casual dining
Opposite Museum, Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: Fast Food, North Indian
Hours: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM (Mon-Sun) - Rangoli Garden Restaurant – casual dining
Sa14/97-1, Near Akashwani, Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: North Indian, Chinese, Fast Food - The Golden Hut
Opposite Buddhist Society, Sarnath, Varanasi
Cuisines: Chinese, North Indian
Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM (Mon-Sun) - Vaishali Restaurant
S-14/48, Nr Sarnath Chauraha
0.5 km from Sarnath
Cuisines: Indian - Sarnath Cafe
Sa – 15/129 Mawaiya Road
0.7 km from Sarnath
Cuisines: Cafe, Asian, Indian - The Palate
The Mall, Cantonment
6.8 km from Sarnath
Cuisines: Indian, Asian, Chinese, International - Restaurant Up-65
Ashapur-Sarnath Road Near Havelia Crossing
1.6 km from Sarnath
Cuisines: Chinese, Indian, Asian - Canton Royale Restaurant
The Mall Road S-20/51 A-5, Hotel Surya
6.4 km from Sarnath
Cuisines: Indian, Italian, Asian - El Parador
off Parade Kothi, Maldahiya Lahurabir
6.8 km from Sarnath
Cuisines: Indian, Tibetan, Nepalese - Sri Annapurna
A Ramkatora J 12/16
6.6 km from Sarnath
Cuisines: Indian, Asian, International
Shopping
As a holy place of pilgrimage, Sarnath is famous for its wide variety of artefacts and Buddha statues. There are all kinds of Buddha statues that are available. The market in Sarnath deals in souvenirs specifically relating to the Buddha and there are no fancy items to be bought here. Due to the fact that this is a major Buddhist site, exclusive and splendid paraphernalia such as metal and Asta-Dhatu busts of Lord Buddha and other deities are popular among the visitors. These busts and statues come in a wide range of metal, colour, size and built.
Apart from busts, saffron robes are also very popular. These robes are made out of best of silks and muslins available in India and can cost you a fortune back in Europe and America. Other items such as Buddhist prayer wheels, beads, rosary, rugs and flags are also available in Sarnath. These can be bought from various kiosks.
Sarnath Market Bazaar is the market where local farmers congregate to sell their products. The bazar is popular for dried fish, yak’s cheese and yeast for producing local alcohol.
Do’s and Don’ts
In the vicinity of sacred sites:
DO’S
- Be modestly and properly attired to express respect for the sacred sites.
- Circumambulate the stupa and other sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
- Maintain the atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
- If buying souvenirs beware of counterfeit items.
DON’TS
- Don’t climb onto statues or other sacred objects.
- Don’t buy stolen artefacts as that is regarded as a criminal act.
Sources:
- http://www.buddhist-pilgrimage.com/varanasi-hotels.html
- http://www.buddhist-pilgrimage.com/varanasi.html
- http://thelandofbuddha.com/varanasi-18
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varanasi
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarnath
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarnath
- https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/
- https://www.zomato.com/varanasi/sarnath-restaurants
- http://www.india.com/travel/sarnath/things-to-do/shopping-shopping-sarnath/
- https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Sarnath
- http://wikitravel.org/en/Sarnath
- http://journeymart.com/de/india/uttar-pradesh/sarnath/festivals/default.aspx
- http://www.happytrips.com/sarnath/japanese-temple/ps56472823.cms
- http://www.holidayiq.com/Tibetan-Temple-Sarnath-Sightseeing-1308-12950.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhamek_Stupa
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- Wonderful Cambodia
- Must visit Bodhgaya – The Navel of the World
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara-A sacred place to visit
- Exquisite Nagadeepa Vihara in Sri Lanka
- Wonderful Myanmar
- Pilgrimage Through India & Nepal
- Wonderful Sri Lanka
- 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 1
- 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 2
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Reading this post ,brought me back my memories of these holy place where I visited with my friends just few months back. We went on a pilgrimage to those four important sites on the Buddhist circuit along with Bodhgaya, Kushinagar and Lumbini in Nepal holy places . Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh state of India is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is considered a very sacred place where the voice of Buddhism was first heard. Buddha shared his Dharma knowledge so as to free all sentient beings out of their misery, pain, sufferings at the place called Deer Park .
Since then Sarnath has become has been developed as a place of pilgrimage, both for Buddhists from India and abroad. Yearly thousands of pilgrims visited this holy site. I am fortunate to go there and at each site we did prayers feeling wonderful.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing and may more people able to go there on pilgrimage. A detail write up for those first timer planning to visit there.
Thank you for the sharing and introducing the ancient city of Sarnath and the holy pilgrimage site of Varanasi. Very interesting article about Sarnath, Varanasi, is a timeless place. It is considered sacred not only because of the many acts of the Buddha performed there and the succeeding centuries of pilgrimage and worship, but also by eons of deeds enacted during the past lives of the Buddha.
Sarnath has been developed as a place of pilgrimage, both for Buddhists from India and abroad. It is a crucible of religious, spiritual and academic thought and beliefs of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It has always been a great cultural center notably in the various field of learning, religion, philosophy, yoga, Ayurveda, astrology, music, literature and spirituality.
A great information article providing glimpse to pilgrims and visitors an overview of Buddhist architecture from various cultures. Hoping to discovered and explored the historical and holy site once in life time.
It is interesting to know and visit the blessed pilgrimage sites of Buddha in Sarnath.Varanasi will be wonderful as that’s where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the deer park.
There are many ancient sacred spots for pilgrims to visit like a beautiful and modern Garden of Spiritual Wisdom to attract spiritually inclined tourists and believers in natural healing.Thank you so much for informative article.
Love these beautiful holysites. Great to be able to see and read about them on this wonderful blog. Some of the pictures that caught my attention are, The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom.The Sarnath Archaeological Museum. The Ashoka Pillar. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for this wonderful article _/\_
The Deer Park of Sarnath is a very famous Buddhist pilgrimage spot where Buddha expounded the Four Noble Truth and the Eight-Fold Path, which formed the tenets of Buddhism. Thank you for all the info shared here in this write-up, it is very useful for anyone to plan for their visit to Sarnath. Sarnath has so much to offer besides the Deer Park. It will be delightful to make a trip there with like-minded friends to soak up divine energy.
Thank you for this guide. Perhaps there could be a guide book on spiritual places of various traditions.
Because the Buddha taught and turning of the first wheel of the dharma that, we have teachers and teachings today, fortunately for us Buddha Shakyamuni was a Samyak-Sambuddha a fully enlightened being, who has the ability to bring others to the dharma and teach all that needs to be taught for one to attain liberation.
Sarnath , the Deer Park, is a pilgrim spot which is a must to visit in India.Here is where Lord Buddha gave his first teaching on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. His first students were the five who had been his companions in his earlier ascetic years of fasting and meditation. Among the many significant stories about Sarnath are two which are very touching. One was about King Bimbisara, who abolished the toll on the bridge, after learning that the Buddha had to fly over the river because he had no means to pay the toll. Another touching story is related to the name “Deer Park”. This story tells of how the name “Deer Park “was given. Buddha had been reborn a Bodhisattva deer, who gave his life in exchange for a pregnant doe.The King was so moved that he created the Deer Park as a sanctuary for deers.
There are many ancient sacred spots for pilgrims to visit. These include the Dhamekh Stupa to mark the spot where Buddha gave his first teaching and the Sarnath Archaelogical Museum.
There is also a beautiful and modern Garden of Spiritual Wisdom to attract spiritually inclined tourists and believers in natural healing. This is a beautiful place where Ayurveda is propounded. Here there is a herbal section to support the Ayurveda system – the five-thousand-year-old Indian traditional natural healing system.
Sarnath must surely draw pilgrims from all directions because this was where Lord Buddha established the first Sangha.
I never really knew much about Varanasi and had not even heard of the name Sarnath until now. I am just beginning to see what it means to follow the Buddha Trail as a lot of pilgrims mentioned. When any relatives mentioned that they were going to India and Sri Lanka, neither the importance nor the significance hit me at all.
It is through articles like this that a lot of things start to make sense and have meaning for me.
Thank you, Rinpoche for having this blog for all of us to learn.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article about Sarnath. It is interesting to know and visit the blessed pilgrimage sites of the Buddha in Sarnath. There are so many other country’s temple in Sarnath which are tourist attraction. It is always good to visit pilgrimage sites of the Buddha and make good aspirations there.
With folded palms,
Vivian
A Pilgrimage to these legendary city Sarnath, Varanasi will be wonderful as thats where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon,at the Deer Park.It is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath centuries ago making it the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. There are many impressive beautiful structures and beautiful Sacred temples from varies countries for visitors to see.
Very informative and brief history been shared are very helpful for any one to go there.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.